‘The point is, what <i>is</i> the point?’

Abstract This paper investigates vague cataphoric reference with shell nouns in the the- N- is construction (e.g. the point is ). It highlights the ties between the construction, which is sometimes analysed as a specfticational copular sentence, shell nouns, which function to some extent like pronouns, and reference. Using a corpus of spoken British English, it shows that referent identification is however not always achieved with this construction and puts forward several contextual that contribute to the vague reference for the shell noun, such as the form and complexity of the shell content or the larger context. The article finally offers interactional perspectives and shows that speakers can use the construction with its vague cataphoric potential as turn-taking or floor-holding device.