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Which one of the above phrases is better suited generally and to the given examples? I'm leaning towards "point out to a" but I don't want to complicate the sentence if it is not necessary

Example 1: She pointed out (to) a box.

Example 2: It doesn't point out (to) a particular place.

Please suggest if some other words are better suited to the examples. I know some such as refer to are better

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    Welcome to EL&U! I would recommend taking a look at the English Language Learners Stack Exchange, it is an excellent resource.
    – A Lambent Eye
    Commented Dec 19, 2018 at 17:00
  • Regarding the edits: I rejecting the edit removing the 'and' between 'generally' and 'to the given' because I wanted to know which one was generally better suited and which one was better suited for the given examples
    – Arjun
    Commented Dec 19, 2018 at 19:09
  • I understand, perhaps an emphasis would make it clearer.
    – A Lambent Eye
    Commented Dec 19, 2018 at 19:57

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In your example there must be no preposition 'to' because 'to point out' is a transitive verb and it is followed by the direct object only. 'To' is used with the indirect object. Compare two examples from Oxford Dictionary: 'One would be hard pressed to point out a single fat man among these thousands.’ and: ‘God doesn't extend a hand from the sky and point them out to you.’

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  • The phrase I wanted was "She pointed out to a box". Does the same rule apply for such a phrase and could you also add your sources?
    – Arjun
    Commented Dec 19, 2018 at 19:12
  • There's an example from Reverso.Context.net : Statements were made by the representatives of India and Egypt who pointed out to corrections to be made to the draft resolution.
    – user307254
    Commented Dec 19, 2018 at 19:39
  • Could you add the link to the same? Thank you very much in advance
    – Arjun
    Commented Dec 20, 2018 at 15:48

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