does that make sense

USAGE SUMMARY

'Does that make sense?' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to check whether the reader understands what you are saying. For example, "I want to try a different approach to this problem, does that make sense?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

E1? How does that make sense?

The New York Times

Does that make sense in historical terms?

The Economist

"Does that make sense?" she asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Does that make sense to anybody?

The New York Times - Sports

"Does that make sense?" he asked.

The New Yorker

Eddie: Does that make sense?

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Does that makes sense?

Cornell University

A: How does that makes sense?

Huffington Post

Did that make sense?

The New York Times

Poehler: Did that make sense to you?

Huffington Post

"Did that make sense?" she asked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does that make sense" at the end of an explanation or instruction to ensure your audience understands the information you've presented. This encourages active listening and clarification.

Common error

Avoid overuse, as it can come across as condescending or repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "is that clear" or "do you understand" to maintain engagement and avoid sounding patronizing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that make sense" functions as an interrogative tag used to solicit confirmation of understanding from the listener or reader. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

34%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does that make sense" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to confirm understanding. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse and consider more formal alternatives in certain professional settings. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for ensuring clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that clear

Replaces "make sense" with "clear", focusing on clarity of information.

is that understandable

Similar to "is that clear", but uses "understandable" to assess comprehensibility.

do you understand

Directly asks if the listener comprehends the information.

can you see what I mean

Checks if the listener grasps the speaker's intended meaning.

are you following me

Checks if the listener is keeping up with the explanation.

is that tracking

Checks if the other party is on the same direction.

are we on the same page

Confirms mutual understanding between the speaker and listener.

is that logical

Focuses on the logical consistency of the information.

do you get it

An informal way of asking if someone understands.

does this resonate

Asks if the information aligns with the listener's experience or knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "does that make sense" at the end of a statement or explanation to check for understanding. For instance, "We need to finalize the budget by Friday; "does that make sense"?"

What are some alternatives to asking "does that make sense"?

Alternatives include "is that clear", "do you understand", or "are you following me". The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the listener.

Is it appropriate to use "does that make sense" in formal settings?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal settings, consider using a more professional alternative like "is that understandable" or "are there any questions?" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "does that make sense" and ""do you understand""?

"Does that make sense" is often used after an explanation to confirm understanding, while ""do you understand"" can be used more broadly to inquire about comprehension, even without a prior explanation. The phrases are often interchangeable.