Subpoint

Subpoint is a term used to describe a secondary or subordinate point within a discussion, argument, or outline. It typically appears under a main point and is distinguished by formatting such as indentation or hierarchical numbering. The subpoint is intended to elaborate, illustrate, or provide supporting information for the principal claim.

In writing and communication, subpoints help organize ideas clearly and logically. They allow a writer or speaker to break down complex arguments into manageable components, showing how each piece contributes to the overall claim. Common formats include numbering or lettering (for example, 2a, 2b, or bullets nested under a main point) and visible indentation to indicate the relationship to the main point. Subpoints often include evidence, examples, premises, or steps in a process.

The term is widely used in education, documentation, and rhetoric. In some fields, more specialized terms such as subclaim, sub-lemma, or supporting point may be used for analogous concepts. While subpoints are most associated with outlines and note-taking, they also appear in presentations, legal briefs, and academic writing to structure reasoning and ensure each component directly supports the central argument. Overall, subpoints function as building blocks that organize content and improve readability without altering the core thesis.