Cool MateThat's not the point vs That's not why we are here
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not the point
That's not why we are here
| That's not the point | That's not why we are here | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ðə pɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ðə pɔɪnt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt waɪ wiː ɑː hɪər//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt waɪ wi ɑr hɪr// |
| Meaning | That's not the main idea or reason. | We didn't come for that reason. |
| Example | I know you’re angry, but that's not the point; we need to find a solution. | In the meeting, she said, '***that's not why we are here***, we need to focus on solutions.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | make a point, get to the point, focus on the point | redirect the conversation, focus on the topic, group discussion |
| Antonyms | - | That's exactly why we are here, We are here for that reason, That is the purpose of our being here |
| Common mistakes | 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'. | Using inappropriately in casual settings., Confusing the meaning with 'that's why we're here.' |
| Usage notes | Used to redirect a conversation focus. It's casual and often found in disagreements. Avoid in formal discussions. | Use in discussions or debates when redirecting focus. Avoid when explaining reason for attendance. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: That's not the point vs That's not why we are here
What's the difference between That's not the point and That's not why we are here?
That's not the point: That's not the main idea or reason. That's not why we are here: We didn't come for that reason.
Which is more formal: That's not the point and That's not why we are here?
That's not why we are here is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That's not the point and That's not why we are here?
That's not the point is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's not the point: I know you’re angry, but that's not the point; we need to find a solution. That's not why we are here: In the meeting, she said, '***that's not why we are here***, we need to focus on solutions.'
Can I use That's not the point and That's not why we are here interchangeably?
Not always. That's not the point and That's not why we are here 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.