Make sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"make sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is reasonable and understandable. For example, "The instructions were clear and concise, so they made sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Make sense who may.

The New Yorker

Make sense?

Independent

It'll all make sense".

Independent

Things don't make sense.

The New York Times

The expenditures make sense.

The New York Times

Both ideas make sense.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

makes sense.

Yale University

Well, it makes sense.

The New York Times

Caroline: That makes sense.

The New York Times

"Gee, it makes sense.

The New Yorker

English makes sense.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make sense" when you want to convey that something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. It is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "make logical sense" because "make sense" already implies logic. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sense" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something is understandable, logical, or coherent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Examples show it used to express understanding or the lack thereof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make sense" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that something is understandable, logical, or coherent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. The phrase functions as a predicate, conveying comprehension or the lack thereof. Related phrases include "be understandable", "be coherent", and "add up". Remember to avoid redundancy by not saying "make logical sense". With its neutral register, "make sense" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be understandable

Focuses on the quality of being easily understood.

Be coherent

Emphasizes the logical and consistent nature of something.

Be logical

Highlights the rational and reasoned aspect.

Add up

Informal way to say that the elements of something are consistent.

Hold water

Suggests that an idea or argument is valid and defensible.

Stand to reason

Implies that something is likely or reasonable.

Be reasonable

Indicates that something is fair and appropriate.

Click

Informal way to say that something suddenly becomes clear or understandable.

Resonate

Emphasizes that something aligns with one's beliefs or feelings.

Comprehend

Focuses on the mental process of understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "make sense" in a sentence?

You can use "make sense" to indicate that something is understandable or logical. For example, "The explanation didn't "make sense" until I saw the diagram." or "His actions didn't "make sense" at the time, but later I understood."

What are some alternatives to "make sense"?

Alternatives to "make sense" include phrases like "be understandable", "be coherent", or "add up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make sense of"?

Yes, it is correct to say "make sense of". This phrase means to understand or decipher something. For example, "I couldn't "make sense of" his handwriting."

What's the difference between "make sense" and "be sensible"?

"Make sense" generally refers to something being understandable or logical, while "be sensible" describes someone acting reasonably or practically. For example, "His plan didn't "make sense"", versus "It would be sensible to save money."