Guide 145 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “point out”
Five verbs for making something visible to the reader.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Point out" is everywhere in meetings. In writing, "note" is neutral; "flag" is the operational verb for open items; "highlight" raises emphasis; "indicate" is softer and analytic; "observe" is attentive and careful.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Note neutral
neutral mention
Note the drift in conversion since April.
- 02Flag neutral
raise for action
Flag the invoice mismatch to accounting.
- 03Highlight neutral
raise the emphasis
Highlight the risk in the exec summary.
- 04Indicate neutral
softly point toward
Data indicate a small but durable effect.
- 05Observe formal
attentive, careful notice
Observe that the trend reverses after April.