pointer: a piece of advice. Hello everyone, I came across the word "pointer" which I had never encountered before. I am wondering if it is common in British and American English. Would you say: to gi

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Elia Murru

pointer: a piece of advice. Hello everyone, I came across the word "pointer" which I had never encountered before. I am wondering if it is common in British and American English. Would you say: to give a few pointers instead of some advice? Is there any difference? The dictionary states that the word pointer is rather informal. Is it used in written English as well? Thanks, Elia

2015年10月31日 01:23

回答 · 8

This is definitely common US usage, although I would agree that it is slightly informal. It still would not be unusual to see it in a written context, and would probably only sound out of place in the most formal of writing.

2015年10月31日

Common in the U.S. but the words advice and pointers have different usages. To give some some pointers comes from "pointing them in the right direction" on a task. So to "offer pointers" means to give a little help on something. It is usually not emotionally charged. To give advice is to offer more general recommendations, often in an emotional situation. So if you came to me with a math problem you couldn't solve, I would give you pointers, not advice. If you came to me with a problem in a personal relationship, I'd give you advice, not pointers.

2015年10月31日