Cool MateCertain things should be pointed out vs Indicate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Certain things should be pointed out
Top 3,000 (common)
Indicate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most common: Indicate
| Certain things should be pointed out | Indicate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɜːtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈsɜrtən θɪŋz ʃəd bi ˈpɔɪntɪd aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Some things need to be mentioned. | to show or point out something |
| Example | The manager said that certain things should be pointed out during the meeting. | Please indicate your choice on the ballot. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | point out importance, point out mistakes, point out details, point out discrepancies | clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise |
| Antonyms | - | hide, ignore, conceal |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'pointing out' as a physical action., Using it inappropriately in casual contexts where other phrases may be simpler. | Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to highlight important information. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts. | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders. |
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Frequently asked questions: Certain things should be pointed out vs Indicate
What's the difference between Certain things should be pointed out and Indicate?
Certain things should be pointed out: Some things need to be mentioned. Indicate: to show or point out something
Which is more common: Certain things should be pointed out and Indicate?
Indicate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Certain things should be pointed out: The manager said that certain things should be pointed out during the meeting. Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot.
Can I use Certain things should be pointed out and Indicate interchangeably?
Not always. Certain things should be pointed out and Indicate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.