makes any sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes any sense" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when questioning the clarity or logic of a statement or idea. Example: "His explanation doesn't make any sense to me." Alternative expressions include "is logical," "is reasonable," and "is coherent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If that makes any sense.

The New Yorker

And whether it makes any sense.

The New York Times

Nothing that Dean does makes any sense.

The New Yorker

Of the plot, nothing makes any sense.

The Guardian

I have no clue how that makes any sense.

The New York Times

Of course, very little about this technology makes any sense.

The New Yorker

None of this, of course, makes any sense.

The New York Times

Thats the only thing that makes any sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're masochists: it's the only explanation that makes any sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

None of it makes any sense, says Oz.

The Guardian - Books

None of that makes any sense any more".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes any sense" when you want to express doubt or question the rationality or clarity of a statement, action, or situation.

Common error

While "makes any sense" is acceptable in general writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "is logical" or "is coherent" in academic papers or business reports for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes any sense" primarily functions as a predicate in sentences expressing doubt, questioning the rationality, clarity or comprehensibility of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes any sense" is a common and grammatically sound way to question the logic or clarity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives like "is logical" in academic or business settings. Remember to use "makes any sense" when expressing doubt or seeking clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is coherent

Focuses on the consistency and clarity of the idea or statement.

is logical

Replaces the entire expression with a single adjective focusing on the presence of logic.

is reasonable

Similar to 'is logical', but implies more of a justification or rationale.

holds water

An idiomatic expression meaning to appear sound or logical.

is understandable

Shifts the focus to whether something can be comprehended.

stands to reason

Highlights that something follows logically from the facts.

is plausible

Indicates whether something seems believable or likely.

is credible

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of information.

is justifiable

Concerns whether there is adequate justification or reason for something.

bears scrutiny

Highlights that something can be examined closely and still make sense.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "makes any sense" in an email?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is logical", "is reasonable", or "is coherent" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "makes any sense" in writing?

"Makes any sense" is suitable for informal and neutral contexts. In more formal settings, consider using synonyms like "is plausible" or "is justifiable".

What does it mean when someone says something "doesn't make any sense"?

It typically means that the statement lacks logic, is confusing, or is difficult to understand. It suggests that the information presented is not coherent or rational.

What's the difference between saying something "makes sense" and saying it "is logical"?

"Makes sense" is more conversational and implies a general understanding. "Is logical" is more formal and suggests a structured, reasoned argument.