Phrasal Verbs 2 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "point out" mean?

Q: Is "point out" formal or informal?

Point out can be neutral or slightly confrontational depending on delivery:"May I just point out that..." - polite, formal"As I've already pointed out..." - can sound slightly impatient

Q: What's another way to say "point out"?

"Note" - "I'd like to note that..." (formal)"Flag" - business English: "I just wanted to flag this.""Draw your attention to" - very formal"Mention" - neutral: "I should mention that..."

"Point out" means to direct attention to something or inform someone of a fact. Here's how to use this common phrasal verb.

What it means

To draw someone's attention to something, or to inform them of a fact they may not have noticed.

"She pointed out a mistake in the report."
"I just wanted to point out that the deadline is tomorrow."
"Can you point out which one you mean?"
"As he pointed out, the figures don't add up."

What it implies

You're offering information the other person may not have, sometimes to correct, warn, or clarify.

Tone matters

Point out can be neutral or slightly confrontational depending on delivery:
"May I just point out that..." - polite, formal
"As I've already pointed out..." - can sound slightly impatient

Separable

"Point out the error." ✓ / "Point the error out." ✓ / "Point it out." ✓

A native would say

"Note" - "I'd like to note that..." (formal)
"Flag" - business English: "I just wanted to flag this."
"Draw your attention to" - very formal
"Mention" - neutral: "I should mention that..."

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Neutral to professional. Very common in meetings, emails, and presentations.