“Mute point” or “moot point”: which is correct?
moot point
The short answer
Moot point is the correct phrase. It refers to a matter open to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, or more commonly in the U.S., a point that is irrelevant or not worth discussing.
Why people get it wrong
People often mishear the phrase moot point and mistakenly use mute point because mute and moot sound similar to some listeners, leading to a confusion between the two words.
What kind of mistake it is
It is a malapropism, which is the use of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound.
Examples with moot point
- The details of the contract became a moot point after the deal was canceled.
- Whether we take the highway or the backroad is a moot point since we have plenty of time to get there.
- Arguing about who was right is a moot point now that the decision has been made.
Quick check
The details of the contract became a after the deal was canceled.
Moot point is the correct phrase. It refers to a matter open to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, or more commonly in the U.S., a point that is irrelevant or not worth discussing.
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