make some sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"make some sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain that something is logical or reasonable. For example: "This new policy really makes some sense; I support it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That would make some sense.

The Economist

Yet both moves make some sense.

The Economist

All these ideas make some sense.

The New York Times - Books

Holding the line at that seems to make some sense.

The New York Times

Could Vann try to make some sense out of it?

The New Yorker

Here's how to make some sense of it.

The New York Times - Tech

To be sure, state ownership may make some sense as a tactic for specific financial institutions.

The Economist

These missives, he said, enabled him to make some sense of his incarceration.

The New York Times

A leggy congresswoman has enlisted his expertise to make some sense of the situation.

The Economist

Seen as winners of the Victor Hugo prize, all the Nobel choices make some sense.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This makes some sense.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make some sense" when you want to convey that something is logical, reasonable, or understandable, often after a period of confusion or uncertainty. For instance, "After reviewing the data, the results began to "make some sense".

Common error

While "make some sense" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "become coherent" or "prove logical" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make some sense" functions primarily as a predicate expressing the ability of something to be understood or to be logical. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. For example, "The events of the past week "make some sense" when seen in this context."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make some sense" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is logical, reasonable, or understandable. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but with a good presence in science and formal business writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While interchangeable with alternatives like "be understandable" or "become clear", it's essential to consider the specific nuance desired. To enhance your writing, use "make some sense" when expressing comprehension or logical coherence, while avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively integrate "make some sense" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reasonable

Highlights the aspect of being logical and justifiable.

be understandable

Focuses on the quality of being easily understood.

become clear

Focuses on the process of understanding or clarification.

be coherent

Emphasizes the consistency and logical connection of ideas.

stand to reason

Implies that something is logical and likely based on available information.

add up

Suggests that the elements or details form a consistent and logical whole.

prove logical

Highlights the demonstration or evidence of something being reasonable.

hold water

An idiomatic expression meaning to appear sound or logical.

ring true

Suggests that something feels authentic and believable.

click into place

Indicates that something suddenly becomes clear and comprehensible.

FAQs

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

Use "make some sense" when you want to express that something is logical or understandable. For example, "His explanation started to "make some sense" after he provided more details."

What are some alternatives to "make some sense"?

You can use alternatives like "be understandable", "be reasonable", or "become clear" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "makes some sense" instead of "make some sense"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "makes some sense" with singular subjects (e.g., "This explanation makes some sense"), and "make some sense" with plural subjects (e.g., "These ideas make some sense").

What's the difference between "make some sense" and "add up"?

"Make some sense" generally means something is becoming understandable, while "add up" suggests that different pieces of information form a coherent whole. For example, "His alibi didn't add up" implies inconsistencies, whereas "His explanation started to "make some sense" after further details were provided."