makes sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement or idea that is logical or sensible. For example, "That plan makes sense; let's go ahead with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

makes sense.

Yale University

That all makes sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

Generally that makes sense.

The New York Times

Hope that makes sense.

The New Yorker

But it makes sense.

The New York Times

Perhaps this makes sense.

The New York Times - Books

Yet she makes sense.

The New York Times

The maths makes sense.

The Economist

The economics makes sense.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it makes sense.

The New York Times

It almost makes sense.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a stronger or more specific alternative if you want to convey a more nuanced meaning. For example, "is logical" or "is understandable" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "makes sense" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is logically sound" or "is conceptually valid" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes sense" functions as a verbal expression indicating comprehension, agreement, or logical consistency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It's used to express that something is understandable and logical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes sense" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that something is logical, reasonable, and understandable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a useful phrase, consider more formal alternatives like "is logical" or "is conceptually valid" in academic or professional settings. Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is logical

Focuses on the logical aspect, implying a clear and rational connection.

is reasonable

Emphasizes the acceptability and appropriateness of something.

is understandable

Highlights the ease with which something can be comprehended.

is coherent

Implies that something is internally consistent and well-organized.

is plausible

Suggests that something is believable and likely to be true.

holds water

An idiomatic expression meaning that an argument or explanation is sound and defensible.

rings true

Suggests that something feels authentic and genuine.

adds up

Indicates that the elements of something are consistent and lead to a logical conclusion.

clicks into place

Describes a moment of understanding when something suddenly becomes clear.

is valid

Indicates that something is well-founded and legally acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes sense" to indicate that something is logical or reasonable. For example, "The proposed solution "makes sense" given the current constraints."

What are some alternatives to "makes sense"?

Alternatives to "makes sense" include "is logical", "is reasonable", and "is understandable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make sense"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Make sense" is the base form, while "makes sense" is used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it).

What's the difference between "makes sense" and "is sensible"?

"Makes sense" typically refers to the logical coherence of an idea or plan. "Is sensible" generally describes an action or decision as being practical and well-judged. The nuance is the practicality vs the logic of something, but there is an overlap in the semantic field.