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Verbal Ability/Word-usage

Choose the option in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate: point

A. The lead researcher was meticulous in her presentation, taking care to point out every anomaly in the data set.
B. At this point in the project, any major design changes would incur prohibitive costs and delays.
C. The opposing counsel argued that the witness's testimony was entirely beside of the point, having no direct relevance to the case.
D. From a strategic point of view, the company's decision to diversify its investments was prudent.

The incorrect or inappropriate usage of the word "point" is in the third option: "The opposing counsel argued that the witness's testimony was entirely beside of the point, having no direct relevance to the case."
Why it's wrong:
The standard idiomatic expression is "beside the point," meaning irrelevant or of no consequence. The preposition "of" is superfluous and grammatically incorrect in this idiom.
Correct usage: "The opposing counsel argued that the witness's testimony was entirely beside the point, having no direct relevance to the case."

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