doesn't make sense

USAGE SUMMARY

'doesn't make sense' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is not logical or comprehensible. For example: "His explanation of the situation doesn't make sense; I'm not sure I understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

"That doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

It doesn't make sense, however.

The New York Times

It still doesn't make sense.

The New Yorker

But that doesn't make sense.

The New York Times - Arts

"No, that doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

"The price doesn't make sense.

The New York Times

"This just doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

It just doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

"Logistically, that doesn't make sense".

The New Yorker

Something doesn't make sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doesn't make sense", ensure the context clearly indicates what is illogical or incomprehensible. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't make sense" as a standalone statement without explaining why something lacks logic. Always elaborate with specific reasons or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't make sense" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of logical coherence or comprehensibility. Ludwig examples showcase it's used when something contradicts expectations or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doesn't make sense" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of logical coherence or comprehensibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it is primarily used in news and media contexts to express disagreement or confusion. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context when using the phrase to clearly communicate the reason for the perceived lack of sense. Alternatives such as "is illogical" or "is unreasonable" can be used in more formal settings. This phrase is a staple for conveying that something defies reason or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nonsensical

Directly states that something lacks sense or meaning.

defies logic

Emphasizes that something goes against logical principles.

is illogical

Emphasizes the lack of logical reasoning.

there's no logic to it

Expresses the absence of logical reasoning in a more conversational way.

is unreasonable

Highlights the lack of reason or justification.

is incomprehensible

Focuses on the inability to understand something.

is absurd

Implies a high degree of ridiculousness or nonsense.

is beyond understanding

Suggests that something is too complex or difficult to grasp.

I can't wrap my head around it

Indicates that you cannot comprehend anything.

it's all Greek to me

Indicates a complete lack of understanding, using an idiomatic expression.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "doesn't make sense"?

You can use alternatives like "is illogical", "is unreasonable", or "is incomprehensible" depending on the context.

How to use "doesn't make sense" in a sentence?

You can use "doesn't make sense" to express that something is illogical or difficult to understand. For example, "His explanation for his actions doesn't make sense."

Is "doesn't make sense" formal or informal?

"Doesn't make sense" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "is illogical".

What's the difference between "doesn't make sense" and "makes no sense"?

"Doesn't make sense" and "makes no sense" are semantically interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.