make sense of this

USAGE SUMMARY

"make sense of this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to understand or interpret something that may be confusing or unclear. Example: "I can't make sense of this complicated math problem. Can you please explain it to me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We will make sense of this".

The New York Times

How should we make sense of this?

The New Yorker

"Let's make sense of this.

The Guardian - Sport

How to make sense of this?

The New Yorker

"I couldn't make sense of this.

The New York Times - Books

To make sense of this madness.

The New Yorker

How was a classifier to make sense of this chaos?

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I can't make sense of this life," he says.

The Guardian

Can you help us make sense of this?

The New York Times

You've got to make sense of this thing".

The New Yorker

How can we possibly make sense of this?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make sense of this" when you need help understanding something complex or confusing. It's a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "make sense of this" in situations where a simpler request for clarification would suffice. Overusing it can sound demanding or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sense of this" functions as a request for clarification or understanding. It prompts someone to explain or interpret something that is unclear or confusing. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make sense of this" is a versatile phrase used to request understanding or clarification, commonly found in news and media, and science-related contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. More formal situations might benefit from alternative phrasings, but its directness makes it a useful tool in everyday communication. The phrase has a neutral register with usage patterns showing it often appears in informal conversations. Always aim for respectful communication, and the usage guidance can help navigate its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand this

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of asking for comprehension.

interpret this

This alternative focuses on the act of explaining the meaning of something.

figure this out

This implies a process of solving or discovering the meaning.

decipher this

This suggests a need to decode or unravel something complex.

comprehend this

This is a more formal way of saying "understand this".

grasp this

This implies seizing or taking hold of an idea or concept.

get to the bottom of this

This alternative indicates a desire to find the fundamental cause or explanation.

make heads or tails of this

This is an idiomatic way of saying to understand something confusing.

explain this to me

This alternative is a direct request for clarification.

shed light on this

This means to clarify or reveal something previously unclear.

FAQs

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

You can use "make sense of this" to ask for help in understanding something confusing, as in "Can you help me "make sense of this" complex issue?"

What can I say instead of "make sense of this"?

Alternatives include "understand this", "interpret this", or "figure this out", depending on the specific context.

Is "make sense of this" formal or informal?

"Make sense of this" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "comprehend this" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

When is it appropriate to use "make sense of this"?

It's appropriate when you're genuinely struggling to understand something and need assistance, but be mindful of your tone. Ensure you're asking for help, not demanding an explanation.