make perfect sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"make perfect sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase used to mean that something is logical or clear. For example, "His decision to invest in the stock market made perfect sense given the current economic climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Cyberattacks make perfect sense.

The New York Times

So it would make perfect sense".

The New York Times - Sports

Some job titles make perfect sense.

The New York Times

Most of them seem to make perfect sense.

The New York Times

In fact, the combination turns out to make perfect sense.

The New Yorker

Seen from the Iranian perspective, this would make perfect sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(This did seem to make perfect sense in the eighties).

The New Yorker

When you're singing along, it seems to make perfect sense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It makes perfect sense.

Forbes

This makes perfect sense.

The New York Times

That makes perfect sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make perfect sense" when you want to convey that something is not only logical but also entirely reasonable and easily understood. It implies a high degree of clarity and coherence.

Common error

While "make perfect sense" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal writing where a more precise or nuanced phrase might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "is entirely logical" or "demonstrates clear coherence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Make perfect sense" functions as a predicate phrase, often following a subject to express that something is logical, understandable, and coherent. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make perfect sense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates something is highly logical and easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the tone and opt for more formal alternatives in strictly professional settings. The availability of numerous examples and the clear communicative purpose of conveying agreement and validation reinforce its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be entirely logical

Focuses on the logical aspect, removing the element of 'perfection'.

stand to reason

An idiomatic alternative highlighting the reasonableness of something.

be completely understandable

Emphasizes understanding rather than logical coherence.

fall into place

Suggests that things are aligning logically and becoming clear.

hold water

Indicates that an argument or explanation is sound and coherent.

be coherent

Highlights the internal consistency and clarity of something.

add up

A more informal way of saying that something is consistent and logical.

be plausible

Focuses on the believability of something.

resolve itself

Emphasizes the idea that something clarifies on its own.

become clear

Simply highlights the clarification of a previously unclear situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "make perfect sense" to express that something is logical and understandable, such as, "His explanation for the missing money "make perfect sense" after he showed the receipts".

What are some alternatives to "make perfect sense"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be entirely logical", "add up", or "stand to reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "make perfect sense" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic phrase. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples.

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

"Make sense" implies something is understandable, while "make perfect sense" suggests it is not only understandable but also highly logical and coherent, leaving no room for doubt.