Cool MateThat's not the point vs This isn't even the issue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not the point
This isn't even the issue
| That's not the point | This isn't even the issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ðə pɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ðə pɔɪnt// | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs ˈɪzənt ˈiːvən ði ˈɪʃuː//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ˈɪzənt ˈivən ði ˈɪʃu// |
| Meaning | That's not the main idea or reason. | This is not the problem. |
| Example | I know you’re angry, but that's not the point; we need to find a solution. | When we discuss costs, remember, this isn't even the issue. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | make a point, get to the point, focus on the point | bring up the issue, shift the issue, address the issue |
| 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 it in formal writing without context., Confusing 'issue' with 'problem' in intensity., Overusing in arguments instead of clarifying. |
| Usage notes | Used to redirect a conversation focus. It's casual and often found in disagreements. Avoid in formal discussions. | Used to express that the current topic is not the main concern. Common in discussions or debates but should be used politely. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's not the point vs This isn't even the issue
What's the difference between That's not the point and This isn't even the issue?
That's not the point: That's not the main idea or reason. This isn't even the issue: This is not the problem.
Which is more formal: That's not the point and This isn't even the issue?
This isn't even the issue is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That's not the point and This isn't even the issue?
This isn't even the issue 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. This isn't even the issue: When we discuss costs, remember, this isn't even the issue.
Can I use That's not the point and This isn't even the issue interchangeably?
Not always. That's not the point and This isn't even the issue 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.