make sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sense" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "His argument didn't make sense, so I couldn't follow it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It'll all make sense".

Independent

Things don't make sense.

The New York Times

The expenditures make sense.

The New York Times

Both ideas make sense.

The Economist

Because they make sense.

The New Yorker

Those changes make sense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

makes sense.

Yale University

Well, it makes sense.

The New York Times

Caroline: That makes sense.

The New York Times

"Gee, it makes sense.

The New Yorker

English makes sense.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make sense" to indicate that something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. Ensure the context supports the idea of coherence or clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make sense" when discussing purely subjective feelings or aesthetic preferences, as it implies a need for logical coherence where none is required. For example, instead of saying "This painting doesn't make sense to me", consider "I don't connect with this painting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sense" functions as a verb phrase, often used to express that something is understandable, logical, or coherent. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sense" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for most general communication. While alternatives like "be logical" or "be coherent" exist, "make sense" provides a straightforward and widely accepted way to express comprehension and agreement. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring the context aligns with the need for logical coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be logical

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more straightforward description of coherence.

be coherent

Focuses on the clarity and internal consistency of something.

be reasonable

Highlights the justification or rationale behind something.

be understandable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be grasped or comprehended.

add up

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate that something is consistent and makes logical sense.

hold water

Suggests that an argument or explanation is sound and defensible.

stand to reason

Indicates that something is a logical conclusion based on available information.

be valid

Focuses on the legitimacy and factual correctness of a statement or idea.

click

An informal way of saying something suddenly becomes clear or understandable.

compute

Emphasizes a sense of logical calculation, showing it is rational.

FAQs

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

You can use "make sense" to indicate that something is logical, understandable, or reasonable. For example, "His explanation didn't "add up", so it didn't "make sense" to me."

What does "make sense of" mean?

"Make sense of" means to understand or decipher something that is confusing or unclear. For example, "I couldn't "make head or tail of" her handwriting."

What's a more formal alternative to "make sense"?

More formal alternatives include "be logical", "be coherent", or "be reasonable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "The proposed solution does not "be logical"" is more formal than "The solution doesn't "make sense"."

Which is correct, "make sense" or "makes sense"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "make sense" with plural subjects or 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they'. Use "makes sense" with singular subjects such as 'he', 'she', 'it', or any singular noun. For example, "It "makes sense"" but "They "make sense"".