Cool MateThat's beside the point vs That's not the point
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's beside the point
That's not the point
| That's beside the point | That's not the point | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts bɪˈsaɪd ðə pɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //ðæts bɪˈsaɪd ðə pɔɪnt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ðə pɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ðə pɔɪnt// |
| Meaning | That is not relevant to the discussion. | That's not the main idea or reason. |
| Example | That argument is interesting, but that's beside the point. | I know you’re angry, but that's not the point; we need to find a solution. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | get beside the point, that's beside the point, it is beside the point, say beside the point, to be beside the point | make a point, get to the point, focus on the point |
| Common mistakes | Using it when the point is relevant., Confusing it with 'beside' meaning next to., Not using it when someone is getting off topic. | Using it in formal contexts where a more polite expression is needed., Misunderstanding its meaning as 'it's irrelevant' instead of 'it's not the main focus'. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in discussions or arguments to redirect focus. Avoid in very formal writing. | Used to redirect a conversation focus. It's casual and often found in disagreements. Avoid in formal discussions. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: That's beside the point vs That's not the point
What's the difference between That's beside the point and That's not the point?
That's beside the point: That is not relevant to the discussion. That's not the point: That's not the main idea or reason.
Which is more formal: That's beside the point and That's not the point?
That's beside the point is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That's beside the point and That's not the point?
That's not the point is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's beside the point: That argument is interesting, but that's beside the point. That's not the point: I know you’re angry, but that's not the point; we need to find a solution.
Can I use That's beside the point and That's not the point interchangeably?
Not always. That's beside the point and That's not the point 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.