make much sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"make much sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something does not make a lot of sense. Example sentence: "I don't think his explanation makes much sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That doesn't make much sense".

The New York Times

This didn't make much sense.

The New Yorker

This doesn't make much sense.

The New York Times

Economically, that may not make much sense.

The New York Times

But this does not make much sense.

The Economist

Nobody could make much sense of it.

The New Yorker

It just doesn't make much sense".

The New York Times

"It doesn't make much sense.

The New York Times - Tech

Certain plot elements don't make much sense.

Independent

But that standard doesn't make much sense.

The New York Times

Still, the outburst didn't make much sense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining why something doesn't "make much sense", follow up with specific reasons or suggestions to clarify your point and offer constructive feedback.

Common error

While "make much sense" is versatile, overuse can dilute the impact of your writing. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "is illogical", "lacks coherence", or "is untenable" to convey your message with greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make much sense" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically following a subject. It indicates whether something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make much sense" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that conveys the degree to which something is logical or understandable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in written English and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "be logical" or "add up" depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Be mindful of the context and audience to maintain appropriate register and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be understandable

Directly addresses whether something can be easily grasped or comprehended.

add up

This idiom implies that the details or facts align to form a coherent whole.

hold water

This idiom means to be sound or logical, suggesting a concept can withstand scrutiny.

fall into place

Indicates that things are becoming clear or understandable after a period of confusion.

be logical

Focuses on the logical aspect, omitting the 'sense' of understanding.

be coherent

Emphasizes the internal consistency and clarity of something.

be reasonable

Highlights the reasonableness of something, rather than its comprehensibility.

be clear

Focuses on the clarity of something, omitting any reference to its logical structure.

click

Informal term implying sudden understanding or clarity.

compute

Technical term for understanding, as a machine would process information.

FAQs

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

You can use "make much sense" to express that something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. For example, "His explanation didn't "make much sense" to me".

What are some alternatives to "make much sense"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be logical", "be reasonable", or "add up" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make much sense"?

Yes, "make much sense" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to express that something is understandable or logical.

What's the difference between "make much sense" and "make sense"?

"Make much sense" implies a higher degree of clarity or logic than "make sense". "Make much sense" suggests that something is exceptionally clear and easy to understand.