which makes sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"which makes sense" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been previously stated, such as in the following sentence: The instructions were confusing, but I followed the steps carefully, which makes sense given the outcome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which makes sense.

The New York Times

Which makes sense, I suppose.

The New Yorker

Which makes sense to me.

The Guardian - Tech

Which makes sense, evolutionally speaking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of which makes sense.

The Guardian

"His work is very uplifting, which makes sense for kids".

The New York Times

I get a fruity smell, which makes sense.

The New York Times

Which makes sense in a story about poets and actors.

The New Yorker

Which makes sense, given how much time they spend there.

The New York Times - Science

"Which makes sense, as I've never done it before.

The Guardian

"Which makes sense, I can't knock him for this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "which makes sense" with a concise explanation to maximize its impact. Briefly elaborate on why something is logical or expected, reinforcing the connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "which makes sense" excessively in a single piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "that figures" or "that stands to reason" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which makes sense" functions as a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional, non-essential information that explains why something is logical or understandable. It acts as a commentary on a previous statement, indicating that the situation aligns with reason or expectation. This is validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which makes sense" is a versatile phrase used to express logical connection and understanding, commonly found in various writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional context and indicating agreement with a preceding statement. While it's generally neutral in register, varying your language with alternatives like "that stands to reason" can help maintain a natural and engaging writing style. Using it correctly enhances clarity and helps readers follow your line of reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that stands to reason

Emphasizes the logical reasoning behind something.

that is logical

Focuses on the logical aspect of the statement.

that figures

More informal way of expressing that something is expected.

that is understandable

Highlights that something is easy to comprehend.

that is to be expected

Indicates that something aligns with expectations.

it is reasonable

Suggests that something is fair and rational.

that checks out

Implies that information or a situation has been verified and confirmed.

that holds up

Suggests that something remains valid or true after scrutiny.

it's all adding up

This phrase conveys that different pieces of information or events are fitting together to form a coherent understanding or explanation.

I see the logic

Clearly indicates the speaker's understanding of the reasoning.

FAQs

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

Use "which makes sense" to connect a statement to a preceding explanation, showing logical continuity. For example, "The company invested heavily in marketing, "which makes sense" given their goal of increasing brand awareness."

What are some alternatives to using "which makes sense"?

You can use alternatives such as "that stands to reason", "that figures", or "that is logical" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "which makes sense"?

While it's more common to find "which makes sense" in the middle or at the end of a sentence as a nonrestrictive clause, starting a sentence with it is less conventional but not necessarily incorrect. However, ensure it clearly connects to the previous context.

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

"Which makes sense" typically refers back to a specific clause or statement, adding an explanatory connection. "That makes sense" is a more direct and general acknowledgement of understanding. The choice depends on whether you're connecting to a specific preceding point ("which makes sense") or making a general statement of comprehension ("that makes sense").