exactly makes sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly makes sense" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something is clear or logical, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "The explanation he provided exactly makes sense, but I still have some questions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The juxtaposition doesn't exactly make sense, but the very incongruity seems to announce, "Anything can happen here".

The New York Times - Arts

As he pointed out, in a totalitarian state where the rich commit all sorts of atrocities on the poor (including forcing them to fight for their lives on a show that resembles "American Idol") it would not exactly make sense if you walked away envying the villains for their outfits.

The New York Times

In the end, he noted that the entry was "ambitious, but it doesn't exactly make sense, which is pretty much where [The X-Files mythology] is at now".

Wikipedia

This doesn't exactly make sense because, in many moments when you are heavily subjected to biometric scrutiny, it is illegal to wear a mask (like at airports, and even public protests in some countries).

Vice

The 69-year-old Southern heritage activist and member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans confounds many, including VICELAND's Desus and Mero, because his loyalty to the Confederacy doesn't exactly make sense given that he's black.

Vice

"It just made sense.

The New York Times

"You know exactly what makes sense," he said sardonically.

The Guardian

— through loan guarantees makes sense are exactly the same assumptions under which debt-financed government spending on, say, infrastructure makes sense.

The New York Times

And this launch is exactly why such an investment makes sense.

TechCrunch

Moreover, our proteome data correlate with some of the changes detected in the steady-state levels of the transcript from a transcriptomic analysis of exactly the same system and makes sense in the overall context of our system.

BMC Genomics

Some researchers have linked hafted technology - the attachment of stone tools to wooden or bone handles - to language because the sequential steps of combining materials to form a spear is like a recipe that must be followed exactly to produce a result that makes sense.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of saying "exactly makes sense", use a more standard phrase like "makes perfect sense" to ensure clarity and avoid potential grammatical errors.

Common error

Avoid placing adverbs like "exactly" directly before the verb "makes" when expressing that something is logical or understandable. This can create awkward phrasing. Opt for established expressions such as "makes perfect sense" or "is perfectly logical" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly makes sense" attempts to function as an expression of complete understanding or logical coherence. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it's not a standard or grammatically sound construction. It aims to convey that something is perfectly understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "exactly makes sense" may intuitively seem like a way to emphasize understanding or logical coherence, it's not considered standard or grammatically correct English. Ludwig AI underscores this point. Instead, opt for established and clearer alternatives such as "makes perfect sense", "is perfectly logical", or "is completely understandable" to avoid ambiguity and maintain grammatical correctness. The absence of examples further reinforces the uncommon nature of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes perfect sense

Emphasizes the clarity and logical coherence of something.

is perfectly logical

Highlights the logical nature of something.

is entirely reasonable

Focuses on the reasonableness and justification of something.

is completely understandable

Indicates that something is easy to grasp and comprehend.

is crystal clear

Stresses the transparency and lack of ambiguity of something.

rings true

Implies that something feels authentic and credible.

is spot on

Suggests that something is accurate and precise.

is right on the mark

Similar to "is spot on", indicating accuracy.

that's the whole point

Indicates that something captures the core idea or intention.

that's precisely right

Confirms that something is accurate and correct without any deviation.

FAQs

What's a better way to say something "exactly makes sense"?

Instead of "exactly makes sense", use more common phrases like "makes perfect sense", "is perfectly logical", or "is completely understandable".

Is "exactly makes sense" grammatically correct?

While the meaning might be grasped, "exactly makes sense" isn't considered grammatically sound. It's better to use standard English phrases such as "makes perfect sense".

When can I use "exactly makes sense"?

It's generally best to avoid "exactly makes sense" in formal writing. In very informal speech, it might be used, but even then, clearer alternatives are preferable.

What is the difference between "exactly makes sense" and "makes sense"?

"Makes sense" indicates something is logical or understandable. The phrase "exactly makes sense" attempts to add emphasis but isn't standard English. It's better to use a phrase like "makes perfect sense" for emphasis.