Phrasal verb
point to
To point to something is to indicate or show it by directing your finger or another object toward it.
Meanings
to indicate something by directing your finger, hand, or an object toward it
to suggest or show that something is likely the cause or explanation of a situation
Definition
“Point to” means to indicate a person, thing, place, or item by directing your finger, hand, or an object toward it. It is often used when you want someone to notice something specific. It can also mean to suggest that something is the cause of a result, based on evidence.
Examples
- I point to the menu item I want because the café is noisy.
- You can point to the spot on the map where we should meet.
- She pointed to the scratch on the door and asked who did it.
- They pointed to the broken hinge as the reason the gate wouldn’t close.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “point to” (indicate) with “point out” (draw attention to by mentioning), and use the wrong one in explanations.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.