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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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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Rhymes for pointed out
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.
