- A concise way to acknowledge that you have heard and understood someone's point or argument, and you accept its validity or relevance, even if you don't fully agree with their overall position.
- It signals acceptance of a specific piece of reasoning or information.
Explanation
Origin
- Shortened form of Your point is taken, meaning I have received and acknowledged your point.
- Common in discussions, debates, and feedback sessions.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
More Enthusiastic Agreement:
- Good point!
- You're absolutely right!
- Couldn't agree more on that.
Reluctant Agreement:
- Alright, fine.
- I suppose so.
Slang/Informal:
- Word. (Meaning 'I hear you' / 'Understood')
- Bet. (AAVE/internet slang signaling agreement or acknowledgement, 'Okay, I will')
- Props for that. (Acknowledging a good point/idea, Props = proper respect/recognition)
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, from informal discussions to formal meetings.
- It's efficient and shows you are listening and receptive.
- Can occasionally sound a little abrupt if said curtly; tone matters.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure the tone conveys genuine acknowledgement. A sarcastic Point taken can mean Okay, I heard you, now shut up.
- It acknowledges understanding/validity, but doesn't automatically mean complete agreement with the overall position, just that specific point.
Examples
- Person A: You forgot to include the references section. Person B: Point taken. I'll add it now.
- Person A: We need to consider the environmental impact, not just the cost. Person B: Point taken. Let's factor that in.
- Person A: Maybe you were a bit harsh in your feedback. Person B: Hmm, point taken. I could have phrased it more gently.
Dialogue
Manager: Your report is well-written, but it's missing the sales data from the last quarter.
Employee: Ah, you're right. I overlooked that file. Point taken. I'll revise it and send it over this afternoon.
Manager: Great, thank you.
Social Media Examples
- Reply to constructive criticism: Oof, you're right about that typo on slide 3. Point taken. Fixing it now! Thanks for the sharp eyes.
- Forum discussion: User A: Your argument ignores X. User B: Point taken, I hadn't considered X. Let me rethink.
- Chat: Friend 1: Stop leaving dishes in the sink! Friend 2: Point taken. My bad.
Response Patterns
- Moving on to the next topic or action.
- Expressing relief or satisfaction that the point was acknowledged: Okay, good. / Thanks.
- Elaborating slightly if needed: Okay, point taken. So how should we adjust the plan?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Often followed by action related to the point (like correcting a mistake) or incorporating the point into further discussion (Okay, point taken. So, moving forward, we should...).
- The person who made the point might simply nod or say Okay and continue the conversation.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response acknowledging a point made by someone else.
Intonation
- Usually said with a nod or a tone of thoughtful acceptance.
- Stress on Point. POINT taken.
- Often has a falling intonation, indicating closure on that specific point.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.