this makes no sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this makes no sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or disagreement with a statement, situation, or idea that seems illogical or unclear. Example: "After reviewing the report, I have to say that this makes no sense; the numbers don't add up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this makes no sense.

The New York Times

In India, this makes no sense.

The New York Times

On one level, this makes no sense.

The New York Times

This makes no sense to me.

The New Yorker

This makes no sense as an objection.

The New York Times

Folks, this makes no sense.

The New York Times

This makes no sense whatsoever.

The New York Times

This makes no sense on any level.

The Guardian - Opinion

This makes no sense at all.

The Guardian - Business

But this makes no sense to me.

The Guardian

You're saying this makes no sense?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this makes no sense" when you want to express that something is illogical or difficult to understand. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, from informal conversations to more formal discussions.

Common error

While "this makes no sense" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "this is illogical" or "I don't understand this" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this makes no sense" functions as an expression of disbelief, confusion, or disagreement. It indicates that something is illogical, incomprehensible, or absurd. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this makes no sense" is a common and grammatically sound way to express confusion, disagreement, or a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, remember to vary your language to avoid repetition. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives like ""this is illogical"" or ""I can't understand this"" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this defies logic

This alternative stresses that something goes against logical principles.

this is illogical

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a lack of logical reasoning.

I can't understand this

This alternative expresses personal confusion and lack of understanding.

this is irrational

This alternative suggests that the statement or action is not based on reason.

this is absurd

This alternative suggests the situation is ridiculous and unreasonable.

this is beyond me

This alternative indicates that something is too difficult for someone to understand.

this is preposterous

This alternative implies the statement or situation is utterly foolish and unbelievable.

I don't get it

This alternative is an informal way of saying that something is not understood.

this is incomprehensible

This alternative highlights the difficulty in understanding something.

this is puzzling

This alternative implies that the situation is confusing and difficult to explain.

FAQs

How can I use "this makes no sense" in a sentence?

You can use "this makes no sense" to express confusion or disagreement with something you find illogical or unclear. For example, "After reading the instructions, I realized "this makes no sense"."

What are some alternatives to saying "this makes no sense"?

You can use alternatives like "this is illogical", "this is absurd", or "I can't understand this" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this makes no sense"?

Yes, "this makes no sense" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English.

What's the difference between "this makes no sense" and "that makes no sense"?

The difference is in the demonstrative pronoun. "This" refers to something closer or more immediate, while "that" refers to something further away or less immediate. Both phrases are grammatically correct; the choice depends on the specific context.