point of view

The way someone thinks about a subject or situation.

• I understand your point of view.
• We discussed our different points of view on education.
• From his point of view, the new plan was too expensive.

How to use it: point of view on something (What is your point of view on school uniforms?); from someone’s point of view (From her point of view, the decision was fair.)

Similar words: view, opinion, perspective

Common phrases: my point of view, different point of view, political point of view

The perspective through which a story is told, including whose experiences and thoughts the reader follows.

• The story uses a child’s point of view.
• The writer changed the point of view in the final chapter.
• How does the narrator’s point of view affect our understanding?

How to use it: from the point of view of someone (The story is told from the point of view of a child.)

Similar words: narrative perspective, perspective

Common phrases: narrative point of view, first-person point of view

The physical position from which someone looks at something.

• This seat gives a different point of view.
• From my point of view, the tree blocked the doorway.
• The camera showed the stage from a higher point of view.

How to use it: from someone’s point of view (From the driver’s point of view, the sign was hidden.)

Similar words: viewpoint, vantage point

Common phrases: different point of view, camera point of view

A character whose thoughts and experiences the reader follows in a story.

• The detective is our main point of view.
• The author introduced a new point of view in chapter five.
• Each point of view knows only part of the secret.

Similar words: viewpoint character, POV character

Common phrases: main point of view, new point of view