Missing the Point

'At this point in time...'
Oooh, My Lord, how that wretched expression grates upon the ears !

Do not mistake me. I have no problem with most of the ways our language develops and changes. I want it to continue being a living language, and am fascinated by the novel ways folk invent to express themselves. But that one really offends.

What troubles me about it, is imprecision. It poses as a phrase of accurate descriptive, when in fact it it nothing of the sort: it is the sort of circumlocution to which folk resort who do not think or express themselves carefully and precisely. In short it is a sign of sloppy thinking and comprehension.

I do not mind novel expressions which employ a longer description than might be necessary if by being longer they add something of colour and meaning. But this one adds nothing. I know of scarce an instance when the words ' at this point in time' could not be replaced by the words 'now' or 'at the moment' with great felicity, and I wish our silly journalists and TV presenters, indeed everyone would please kindly stop using the daft ugly expression altogether.