point the way

Meaning

To show the correct direction to a place, either physically by gesturing or through signs. Metaphorically, it can mean to indicate how something will develop or to guide future behavior.

Examples

• The local villager kindly pointed the way to the hidden waterfall.

  The local villager kindly pointed the way to the hidden waterfall.

• Clear trail markers point the way for tourists hiking up the mountain.

  Clear trail markers point the way for tourists hiking up the mountain.

• Could you please point the way to the nearest subway station?

  Could you please point the way to the nearest subway station?

• These recent discoveries point the way to a better understanding of ancient history.

  These recent discoveries point the way to a better understanding of ancient history.

• The compass pointed the way back to our campsite through the thick fog.

  The compass pointed the way back to our campsite through the thick fog.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The sign pointed the road to the beach.

  ✓ The sign pointed the way to the beach.

  While 'road' is physically where you walk, the fixed English expression to indicate direction is 'point the way'.

• ✗ He pointed me the way to the museum.

  ✓ He pointed the way to the museum for me.

  'Point the way' does not typically take an indirect object directly after 'pointed' without a preposition.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The helpful receptionist ___ to the conference hall.

  💡 Use the past tense.

  Show answer

  pointed the way

• These wooden signs are designed to ___ to the main highway.

  💡 Use the base form after 'to'.

  Show answer

  point the way