that makes sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"that makes sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in both informal and formal contexts. For example, "I understand why you want to quit your job; that makes sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

LIZADONNELLY: Oh, that makes sense.

The New Yorker

Does that makes sense?

Cornell University

"Ah, that makes sense," DiDonato said.

The New Yorker

It's a reality that makes sense.

The New York Times

Yeah, that makes sense.

TechCrunch

In many ways, that makes sense.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A Things that make sense.

The New York Times

E1? How does that make sense?

The New York Times

Does that make sense in historical terms?

The Economist

Does that make sense?

Forbes

Make generalized comments that make sense.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that makes sense" to acknowledge understanding or agreement in conversations and writing. It's suitable for various contexts, from informal discussions to professional settings.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "that makes sense" as a response. Vary your expressions to show genuine engagement and understanding. Alternatives like "I understand" or "that's logical" can add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that makes sense" functions as an interjection or a short declarative statement. It typically follows an explanation or a statement, serving to indicate comprehension or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that makes sense" is a commonly used phrase to express understanding, agreement, or logical coherence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. While versatile, consider using alternative expressions like "that is understandable" or "I understand" to avoid repetition and add nuance. Remember that overusing it could diminish its impact; vary your responses to demonstrate genuine engagement. This phrase is a practical tool for effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's understandable

Replaces "makes sense" with "understandable", focusing on the comprehensibility of the situation.

that's logical

Emphasizes the reasoning or rationality behind something, instead of general understanding.

I understand

Shortened version focusing on personal comprehension and omits the reason.

that checks out

An informal way of saying something aligns with expectations or prior knowledge.

that figures

Implies something is not surprising given the circumstances, with a hint of resignation.

that explains it

Indicates that something previously confusing is now clear.

that clarifies things

Highlights the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

I see your point

Acknowledges understanding someone's perspective or argument.

that resonates

Implies a deeper, more emotional connection to the idea being discussed.

that computes

A slightly more technical or analytical way of saying something makes logical sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "that makes sense" to express agreement or understanding, as in "Given the circumstances, "that's understandable"" or "I understand your decision now; that makes sense".

What are some alternatives to saying "that makes sense"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's logical", "that checks out", "that explains it", or simply "I understand", depending on the context.

Is "that makes sense" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "that makes sense" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though in some contexts, a more sophisticated alternative like "that clarifies things" might be preferable. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "that makes sense" and "that made sense"?

"That makes sense" refers to something currently understandable, while "that made sense" refers to something that was understandable in the past. For example, "His explanation makes sense now", versus "His explanation "made sense" at the time, but I don't agree with it anymore".