verb

pointed out

POYN-tid OWT

Pointed out (verb) means past tense of point out: to draw someone's attention to a fact, especially one they have missed or would rather not face. Example: “She pointed out that the figures did not add up.”

verb

Past tense of point out: to draw someone's attention to a fact, especially one they have missed or would rather not face.

"She pointed out that the figures did not add up."

"He politely pointed out the spelling mistake on the sign."

Past tense of point out in the literal sense: to show someone where something is, often by pointing at it.

"The guide pointed out the cathedral on the far side of the square."

How to use pointed out

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTold someone about something they had not noticed.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in reported speech and journalism. "Pointed out" quietly implies the statement is true, unlike "claimed" or "argued".

Memory tip

Writers should be careful: "he pointed out that" signals to the reader that the point is correct. Use "said" or "claimed" if you do not want to endorse it.

Easily confused with

claimed → argued pointed to

Common pairings

pointed out that rightly pointed out as she pointed out pointed out the flaw

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ that the figures did not add up.

Synonyms

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noted observed remarked indicated highlighted showed

Related words

important known famous noted watched observed cited viewed

Rhymes for pointed out

out tout bout gout lout pout rout about trout spout clout grout

See all rhymes for pointed out →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between "pointed out" and "said"?

"Said" is neutral reporting. "Pointed out" suggests the speaker was drawing attention to something factual that others had overlooked, so it subtly implies the statement is accurate. Journalists avoid it when the claim is disputed.

Is it "pointed out that" or "pointed out the fact that"?

"Pointed out that" is cleaner and preferred. "The fact that" adds nothing and is usually cut in edited writing.

What is the meaning of pointed out?

"pointed out" (verb) means past tense of point out: to draw someone's attention to a fact, especially one they have missed or would rather not face.

What is another word for pointed out?

Other words for "pointed out" include noted, observed, remarked, indicated, highlighted, showed.

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important known famous noted watched observed cited viewed