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moot point

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A debatable question, an issue open to argument; also, an irrelevant question, a matter of no importance. For example, Whether Shakespeare actually wrote the poem remains a moot point among critics, or It's a moot point whether the chicken or the egg came first. This term originated in British law where it described a point for discussion in a moot, or assembly, of law students. By the early 1700s it was being used more loosely in the present sense.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby moot point

Moose River, moosewood, moot, moot court, moot hall, moot point, mop, mopani, mopani worm, mopboard, mope

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use moot point in a sentence

If Gov. Dave Heineman wants the job, I suspect he'll win the primary in a landslide, making this post a moot point.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, RINO?|Justin Green|February 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As they continue the search, Clive Irving explains why the black box might be a moot point—and why Airbus is worried.
The Secrets of Flight 447|Clive Irving|June 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The only moot point seemed to be whether he intended to slay the whole mob or be selective and cut down only important members.
"And That's How It Was, Officer"|Ralph Sholto
The effect of periods of depression, such as 1903 and 1908, upon the proportion of low-grade tonnage is a moot point.
Railroads: Rates and Regulations|William Z. Ripley

It is rather a moot-point how far she inclined to the Reformed doctrines, properly so called.
The Tales Of The Heptameron, Vol. I. (of V.)|Margaret, Queen Of Navarre
It began to be a moot point whether they might not be forced to pass the night there, in the middle of Roaring Brook.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 109, November, 1866|Various
It is a moot point with students whether the ballade or chant royal is the earlier and original poem.
Ballades and Rondeaus, Chants Royal, Sestinas, Villanelles, etc,|Various