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Ask for help > difference between...
difference between...
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niblumen
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difference between...
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Hello,
please could you explain me the difference between point to and point at. What is correct: Point to your nose. or Point at your nose.
Thanks
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21 Nov 2010
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aliciapc
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point at - criticize
point to - make evident
They wanted someone to blame so they pointed their fingers at him.
This clearly points to the importance of funding . |
21 Nov 2010
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niblumen
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thank you for the answer. Have a nice week
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21 Nov 2010
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magneto
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I think you can use both in this context:
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner �s Dictionary, one meaning of point (which applies to the sentence you �re giving us) is "to stretch out your
finger or something held in your hand towards somebody/something in
order to show somebody where a person or thing is" and it can be used in the following contexts:
point (at/to/towards somebody/something) �What �s your name?� he asked, pointing at the child with his pen.
�That �s my mother,� she said, pointing at a photo on the wall.
He pointed to the spot where the house used to stand.
She pointed in my direction.
It �s rude to point!
point something She pointed her finger in my direction.
What Alicia is referring to regarding point at is the idiom:
to point a/ the finger at sb: to accuse sb of doing sth
The article points an accusing finger at the authorities.
But, as Alicia has also correctly pointed out, point can also be used in the sense of "to lead to or suggest a particular development or logical argument"
Check the link to the OALD provided above for further uses of point.
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21 Nov 2010
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Fabiola R
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According to the following definition:
POINT: show sth with your finger... to show something to someone by holding up one of your fingers.
I think that you POINT TO an object.. <She was pointing to a small boaat...>
and you POINT AT somebody/someone.. <I could see him pointing at me...>
Faby... |
22 Nov 2010
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