Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

The Definitive Guide to 'Point Out'

📖 Definition

To indicate or bring to someone’s attention something specific. It often involves highlighting details or facts that may be overlooked.

Examples in context

Susan always points out the positive aspects of challenging situations.
During training, Henry pointed out crucial safety measures to the team.
The guide pointed out historical monuments along the journey.

📖 Definition

To indicate or bring to someone’s attention something specific. It often involves highlighting details or facts that may be overlooked.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between the verb and the particle.

Neutral

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	point out	She points out the mistakes in the report.
Past Simple	pointed out	He pointed out the landmarks during the tour.
Present Continuous	pointing out	They are pointing out the advantages of the new plan.
Present Perfect	have pointed out	I have pointed out the errors already.

💡 When to Use

Academic discussions

Used to highlight important facts or corrections in educational settings to ensure accurate understanding.

Example: "The professor pointed out a critical error in the thesis."

Workplace meetings

To draw attention to specific issues or suggestions during professional discussions to facilitate problem-solving.

Example: "During the meeting, she pointed out the flaws in the proposal."

Daily conversations

Utilized in casual exchanges to emphasize or bring awareness to details often missed in everyday life.

Example: "He pointed out the beautiful architecture as we walked."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Point the errors out.

✅ Correct: Point out the errors.

💡 Tip: Keep 'out' after 'point' when using a noun object directly after.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He points out every time.

✅ Correct: He points out the solution every time.

💡 Tip: Always provide a direct object.

Wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: Point over the mistake.

✅ Correct: Point out the mistake.

💡 Tip: Use 'out' for this phrasal verb.

Practice

POINT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Susan always points out the positive aspects of challenging situations.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

During training, Henry pointed out crucial safety measures to the team.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The guide pointed out historical monuments along the journey.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

highlight indicate

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Can you ___ the landmarks along the route?"

point in

point out

point with

point at

"When in doubt, point out the light in darkness, for clarity emerges when truth is illuminated and perspective is broadened."

In Context

In the 17th century, Galileo Galilei famously pointed out the moons of Jupiter through his telescope. This discovery challenged the geocentric view held by the Catholic Church, but Galileo's findings were undeniable. He persisted in pointing out the evidence supporting the heliocentric model, initially proposed by Copernicus. Despite opposition, Galileo's observations continued to point out the inconsistencies in the accepted beliefs of the era. His commitment to truth was eventually recognized posthumously, as his work laid the foundation for modern astronomy. Galileo's efforts pointed out the importance of evidence-based science in understanding our universe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Point Out

What is the origin of point out?

The phrasal verb 'point out' originated from the literal action of gesturing towards something to draw attention to it. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical sense, meaning to highlight or emphasize details or facts.

Can point out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'point out' is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in academic, professional, and casual conversations to bring attention to specific information.

What is the difference between point out and highlight?

While 'point out' and 'highlight' can be used interchangeably to draw attention to something, 'highlight' often focuses more on emphasizing the importance or significance, whereas 'point out' simply brings the existence of something to notice.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

POINT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Point Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega