'Point of Views', 'Points of View', or 'Points of Views'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 28 August 2024)

Point of Views, Points of View, or Points of Views: Which One Is Correct?

The term point of view refers to someone's perspective or opinion about something. When forming its plural, learners of English often add the -s to the wrong word. The correct plural form is points of view, not point of views or points of views:

✅ A well-rounded education should expose students to different points of view to encourage critical thinking.
❌ A well-rounded education should expose students to different point of views to encourage critical thinking.
❌ A well-rounded education should expose students to different points of views to encourage critical thinking.

✅ It is important to respect other people's points of view, even when you disagree with them.
❌ It is important to respect other people's point of views, even when you disagree with them.
❌ It is important to respect other people's points of views, even when you disagree with them.

✅ The documentary presented various points of view on climate change from scientists around the world.
❌ The documentary presented various point of views on climate change from scientists around the world.
❌ The documentary presented various points of views on climate change from scientists around the world.

The entry for the noun phrase point of view (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

Exposure to different points of view is at the core of higher learning. —The Globe and Mail (2018)

It should be obvious that there can't be such a thing as a neutral journalist. We all have moral instincts and points of view. Those points of view will color our interpretations of the facts. —The Guardian (2019)

Rather, it is an acknowledgment that many of the challenges we face as a city, state and country are complicated – and that presenting our readers with different points of view gives us a better chance of solving them. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2021)

The runways remind us how many different points of view, how many different aesthetic dreams flourish in this international city. —The Washington Post (2020)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. Diametric (or diametrical) is typically used in the form diametrically opposed, meaning 'completely opposite'. While the phrase diametric points of view is understandable, it may not be very idiomatic. This observation is supported by data from Google Ngram. It might sound more natural to say diametrically opposed points of view.
2. The phrase points of view is the correct plural form. The word points is already plural, so view does not need to be in the plural form views. This is a common mistake in English related to fixed phrases where the plurality is marked on only one element of the phrase.
(Also by the Same Tutor: 1)

1. The word writing is uncountable in this context. While writings can be used in the plural to refer to multiple works, a writing is not normally, if ever, used. Instead, we use a piece of writing to refer to a specific instance.
2. The correct plural form of point of view is points of view. The plural marker -s should be added to the word point rather than view.
3. The simple present tense writes is incorrect here because the sentence is not about a habitual action. The action of writing about her hero has already occurred. In this case, both wrote and has written can be used. Wrote (simple past tense) is used when the action is completed and the time is specified or implied. Has written (present perfect tense) emphasises the connection between the past action and the present. Given that the worksheet presents a sample relevant to the current context, has written is more appropriate.
(Source: Pui Ching Primary School)
(Also by the Same School: 1)