0
Diotima Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary
point to/point at
Hi,
I was looking at this paragraph regarding kids' games and I am finding it difficult to understand the difference between point to/point at. Is there any? If so, could you explain what the difference is and how to use it appropriately?
Here is the paragraph:
On the nose. The most universally known convention is the one that says, "You guessed exactly right." The sign is to touch your nose with your index finger and point to the guesser with the other. (Your other index finger, not your other nose.) Note that a different sign is pointing at a guesser without touching your nose. If you point at a player without touching your nose you're saying, "Yes, your guess is best so far."
Thank you for your help!
I was looking at this paragraph regarding kids' games and I am finding it difficult to understand the difference between point to/point at. Is there any? If so, could you explain what the difference is and how to use it appropriately?
Here is the paragraph:
On the nose. The most universally known convention is the one that says, "You guessed exactly right." The sign is to touch your nose with your index finger and point to the guesser with the other. (Your other index finger, not your other nose.) Note that a different sign is pointing at a guesser without touching your nose. If you point at a player without touching your nose you're saying, "Yes, your guess is best so far."
Thank you for your help!
Top answer
"point to" and "point at" are very similar. In this example they are used interchangeably. In certain contexts "point at" can possibly feel slightly more forceful or hostile.
- "point to" and "point at" are very similar.
- In this example they are used interchangeably.
- In certain contexts "point at" can possibly feel slightly more forceful or hostile.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
8 Answers
0
"point to" and "point at" are very similar. In this example they are used interchangeably. In certain contexts "point at" can possibly feel slightly more forceful or hostile.
00
Many thanks GPY. So, should I give instruction to a child in a class, for example, point to your toes/nose, would it be more appropriate than point at?
One last question: I am setting a sort of pathway with stations (cones, small hula hoop on the ground) for indoors physical activity with children. What would it be called in English?
I found "obstacle course" but I have
One last question: I am setting a sort of pathway with stations (cones, small hula hoop on the ground) for indoors physical activity with children. What would it be called in English?
I found "obstacle course" but I have
00
diotimaI found "obstacle course" but I have never heard of it.'obstacle course' is a well-known expression, but you would use that only if the kids are to treat the objects as barriers that they must avoid (run around or jump over) while running through the pathway. I don't think that's what you want.
It sounds more like you're having the kids 'go t
00
diotimaMany thanks GPY. So, should I give instruction to a child in a class, for example, point to your toes/nose, would it be more appropriate than point at?You can use either.
diotimaOne last question: I am setting a sort of pathway with stations (cones, small hula hoop on the ground) for indoors physical activity with ch
00
Wow, this child activity is getting really challenging! Effectively children run around cones, but then they jump into the small hula hoops on the floor and if we want to make it longer they might go up and down some blocks used as steps (please feel free to correct my action verbs if they are incorrect :-) ).
As I am teaching English also through physical activity, I wanted to use a name for
As I am teaching English also through physical activity, I wanted to use a name for
00
diotimaobstacle course
I've checked out some websites on children's activities, and I found that indeed the kind of thing you describe is often called an obstacle course.
See, for example, the description of 'obstacle course' (Number 11) at this link:
CJ
00
GPYdiotimaMany thanks GPY. So, should I give instruction to a child in a class, for example, point to your toes/nose, would it be more appropriate than point at?Late arriving at this thread, I just wanted to make a social comment on how "point" has become acceptable, where back in history "it is rude to point" was taught. One may "indicate". As W.S.Gilbert
00
Thank you for all your comments, links and overall for all your help.
It was very very helpful!!!
It was very very helpful!!!
0
Related Questions