makes good sense

USAGE SUMMARY

'makes good sense' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express agreement or approval with something that has been said or done. For example, "I think we should invest in some new equipment for the office; it makes good sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This makes good sense.

The New York Times

That makes good sense.

The New York Times

This limitation makes good sense.

Harvard University

That makes good sense to us.

The New York Times

"This makes good sense for America.

The New York Times

Ending it, I suppose, makes good sense.

The New York Times

But it makes good sense.

The New York Times

Sometimes nonsense makes good sense.

The New York Times

"It makes good sense to me.

The Guardian

Strangely, dialogue sometimes makes good sense backwards.

The Guardian - Books

Tactically, all this doubtless makes good sense.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes good sense" to express agreement or approval of an idea or plan. It is suitable for various contexts, from formal discussions to casual conversations.

Common error

While "makes good sense" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is logical" or "is reasonable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes good sense" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey agreement or approval. It suggests that a particular idea, plan, or action is logical, reasonable, or practical. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes good sense" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate agreement or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an idiomatic way to convey that something is logical, reasonable, or practical. Predominantly found in news and media, academic writing, and business communication, the phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it suitable for various contexts. While synonyms like "is logical" or "is sensible" can provide variety, "makes good sense" remains a reliable and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sensible

This implies that something is practical and shows good judgment.

is logical

This alternative focuses on the logical aspect, highlighting that something follows a coherent line of reasoning.

is reasonable

This suggests that something is fair, appropriate, and in accordance with reason.

is sound

This conveys that something is solid, reliable, and well-founded.

stands to reason

This emphasizes that something is logical and easily understood.

is a smart idea

This suggests that something is clever, intelligent, and likely to succeed.

is justifiable

This indicates that something can be defended or shown to be right or reasonable.

is well-advised

This indicates that something is a good suggestion or course of action.

is a wise decision

This highlights the wisdom and prudence behind a particular choice.

holds water

This idiom suggests that an argument or idea is valid and defensible.

FAQs

What does "makes good sense" mean?

The phrase "makes good sense" means that something is logical, reasonable, or practical. It indicates agreement with an idea or course of action.

How can I use "makes good sense" in a sentence?

You can use "makes good sense" to express agreement or approval. For example: "Investing in renewable energy "makes good sense" for the future."

What can I say instead of "makes good sense"?

You can use alternatives like "is logical", "is sensible", or "is reasonable" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "makes good sense" in formal writing?

Yes, "makes good sense" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying agreement or approval in a clear and straightforward manner. Alternatives like "is sound" may be used in more formal academic or business contexts.