point to vs point at

Both 'point to' and 'point at' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Point to' is used to indicate a direction or location, while 'point at' is used to indicate a specific target or object. It's important to choose the correct preposition based on the intended meaning of the sentence.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1446 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a direction or location.

"point to"

Use 'point to' when indicating a direction, location, or a specific thing that is being referenced.

Examples:

She pointed to the map to show me where we were.
The signs pointed to the nearest exit.
His research points to a possible solution to the problem.
The evidence points to his innocence.
Can you point to the correct answer?

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Everything seems to point to that being the case.
You have to point to a specific part of the body.
All signs point to a really well-adjusted kid.
Blood samples point to Kyle and Jill.
Little arrow point to that tree and nowhere else.
But all indications point to a massive assault against Colonial defenses.
Draw lines from one intersecting point to the next.
According to Security Services, all signs point to insanity.
Storytelling as an access point to creativity and integration.
Data available for 2008 point to yet another increase.
Another major point to be discussed is balance control.
Ducky's initial autopsy findings point to poison.
It creates a gateway to jump instantaneously from one point to another light years away.
I'll close my eyes and point to someone.
I make it a point to see nothing.
Which would point to Jackson... or Dixon.
Studies point to the strong possibility of recovery for many exposed subjects.
It doesn't point to hairy cell.
There aren't many folks he can point to.
I must make a point to stop standing beside you.

Alternatives:

indicate
show
refer to
direct to
signal

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a specific target or object.

"point at"

Use 'point at' when indicating a specific target, object, or person that is being referenced or identified.

Examples:

He pointed at the painting on the wall.
She pointed at the suspect in the lineup.
The teacher pointed at the correct answer on the board.
The child pointed at the toy he wanted.
Can you point at the bird in the tree?

Show examples from the web [+]

Until they find the point at which you break.
You are the point at which coffee and neuroscience intersect.
I mean, surely there comes a point at which it's impolitic for us to be in business with Usman.
It would be impossible to point at one person.
They couldn't even point at the Holy Land on a map.
The point at which they set would be due west.
Comes a point at which you're no longer responsible.
I thought I'd just point at the door.
Gaza is another point at issue.
The address must indicate a single point at which the manufacturer can be contacted.
It's not polite to point at others.
She had to bring him a Grover puppet so he could point at what hurt.
I know, but there's a certain point at which you just can't stay.
I know what it's like to point at a killer and have no one listen.
I know what it's like to point at a killer and have no one listen.
Look, there is a point at which any one of us will do exactly what Emmett did.
That is now precisely the point at issue.
And the point at which we find ourselves.
A guy's feet point at what they want.
You just point at clouds that aren't really there.

Alternatives:

indicate
direct at
gesture towards
identify
refer to

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point to vs point at

"point to"

"point at"

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