The word point is best known for meaning “point”, which, by the way, has more than 20 different meanings according to the Michaelis English-Portuguese dictionary! But point can also have other translations, as in the case of our expression today.
What’s the point? is used in questions and can be translated as “what for?” , “what’s the point?” or “what’s the objective?” . The preposition used with this expression is of .
To better understand how to use what’s the point? , see some sentences below with this expression being translated in each of the three ways mentioned above. Then, don’t forget to copy the sentences to your Anki !
1 – Let’s start with what’s the point? being translated as “what for?”:
I’d like to write to him, but what ‘s the point ? He never
writes back.
What is the point of thinking about him?
Why think about him?
What’s the point of shouting at her?
Why shout at her?(Read the post What’s the difference between Shout, Scream and Yell? )
I could tell him, but what ‘s the point ? He never listens to anyone.
2 – What’s the point? can also mean “what’s the point?”:
What’s the point of that?
What’s the point of that?
What ‘s the point of going if
Maggie isn’t going to be there?
What’s the point of getting yourself all upset about it ?
What ‘s the point of even wearing a helmet if you’re not going to buckle it ?
3 – Finally, see what’s the point? meaning “what is the objective?”:
What ‘s the point of Facebook?I don’t get it .
What ‘s the point of studying math in school anyway? No one ever uses it in real life.
What’s the point of this meeting anyway ?
So what ‘s
the point of all this research ?
Just as the word point can be used in the interrogative to ask the meaning of something, it can be used in the affirmative, referring to understanding a subject. Check out the posts about See The Point and Miss The Point . See you next time!