Understanding how to express that something “doesn’t make sense” is a crucial skill for effective communication in English. While the phrase itself is perfectly acceptable, relying on it exclusively can limit your expressiveness and make your language sound repetitive.
This article explores a wide range of alternative phrases and expressions, providing you with the tools to convey degrees of incomprehension, logical flaws, and absurdity with greater nuance and precision. Whether you’re an ESL learner aiming to expand your vocabulary or a native speaker seeking to refine your communication skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly.
This article will benefit English language learners (ESL/EFL), students, writers, and anyone looking to improve their communication skills. We will cover various expressions, their nuances, and provide ample examples with practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Expressing Incoherence
- Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples of Alternative Expressions
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Expressing Incoherence
Expressing incoherence involves conveying that something lacks logical consistency, clarity, or comprehensibility. The phrase “doesn’t make sense” serves as a general indicator of this lack of coherence, but English offers a rich variety of alternative expressions that allow for more precise and nuanced communication.
These alternatives can highlight specific aspects of the incoherence, such as a logical fallacy, a lack of personal understanding, the absurdity of the statement, or simple implausibility.
The function of these expressions is not merely to state incomprehension, but also to signal the nature and degree of the problem. For instance, saying “That’s illogical” points directly to a flaw in reasoning, while “I can’t wrap my head around it” emphasizes personal difficulty in understanding.
The context in which these phrases are used is crucial. A formal setting might call for more precise and analytical language, while an informal conversation might allow for more colorful and idiomatic expressions.
Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
The alternative phrases to “doesn’t make sense” can be broken down into several structural categories. Understanding these structures will help you generate and recognize a wider range of expressions.
- Verb-based phrases: These often use verbs like understand, grasp, comprehend, follow in the negative. Examples: “I don’t understand,” “I can’t grasp the concept,” “I’m unable to follow your reasoning.”
- Adjective-based phrases: These use adjectives like illogical, nonsensical, absurd, incomprehensible. Examples: “That’s illogical,” “It’s nonsensical,” “The argument is absurd,” “The explanation is incomprehensible.”
- Noun-based phrases: These use nouns like sense, logic, reason in conjunction with verbs like lack, defy. Examples: “It lacks sense,” “It defies logic,” “There’s no reason to it.”
- Idiomatic expressions: These are fixed phrases with figurative meanings. Examples: “I can’t make head nor tail of it,” “It’s all Greek to me,” “It’s beyond me.”
- Phrases expressing doubt: These phrases express doubt or disbelief, implying a lack of coherence. Examples: “I find that hard to believe,” “I’m not sure about that,” “That seems unlikely.”
By understanding these structural components, you can create your own variations and adapt your language to fit different situations.
Types and Categories of Expressions
The various alternatives to “doesn’t make sense” can be grouped into categories based on the specific type of incoherence they express.
Logical Fallacies
These expressions highlight flaws in reasoning or argumentation. They point to contradictions, inconsistencies, or invalid inferences.
Lack of Understanding
These phrases emphasize the speaker’s personal difficulty in comprehending something. They focus on the speaker’s inability to grasp the meaning or logic.
Absurdity and Nonsense
These expressions convey that something is ridiculous, preposterous, or utterly devoid of sense. They often imply a humorous or ironic tone.
Implausibility and Doubt
These phrases express skepticism or disbelief, suggesting that something is unlikely or questionable. They don’t necessarily imply complete incoherence, but rather a strong sense of doubt.
Examples of Alternative Expressions
The following tables provide extensive examples of alternative expressions, categorized by the type of incoherence they convey. Each table includes a range of phrases, from formal to informal, and illustrates their usage in context.
Logical Fallacies Examples
This table provides examples of phrases to use when you want to point out a flaw in logic or reasoning.
| Expression | Example Sentence | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| That’s illogical. | Saying you’re against pollution but driving a gas-guzzling car is illogical. | Directly points out a lack of logic. |
| That doesn’t follow. | You said you were going to save money, but then you bought a new TV. That doesn’t follow. | Indicates a disconnect between statements. |
| That’s a contradiction. | Claiming to be a pacifist while supporting military action is a contradiction. | Highlights conflicting statements. |
| That’s inconsistent. | Your story is inconsistent with what you told me yesterday. | Points out a lack of coherence over time. |
| That’s a non sequitur. | He argued that because the sky is blue, we should all eat more vegetables. That’s a non sequitur. | Indicates a statement that doesn’t logically follow from the previous one. |
| That’s a flawed argument. | The politician’s argument was based on several flawed assumptions. | Highlights a weakness in the reasoning. |
| That’s a logical fallacy. | Using anecdotal evidence to support a broad claim is a logical fallacy. | A more formal way to point out a flaw in reasoning. |
| That’s a false premise. | The entire argument collapses because it’s based on a false premise. | Indicates that the argument is based on incorrect information. |
| Your reasoning is flawed. | With all due respect, your reasoning is flawed and doesn’t hold water. | A polite but direct way of pointing out a logical error. |
| That’s a circular argument. | He’s using a circular argument, proving A with B, and then proving B with A. | Highlights an argument that assumes what it’s trying to prove. |
| That’s a slippery slope fallacy. | Saying that allowing any immigration will inevitably lead to the downfall of our culture is a slippery slope fallacy. | Points out an argument that assumes one action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences. |
| That’s a straw man argument. | He’s attacking a straw man argument by misrepresenting my position to make it easier to refute. | Highlights an argument that misrepresents an opponent’s position. |
| That’s an appeal to authority. | Just because a celebrity endorses a product doesn’t mean it’s good. That’s an appeal to authority. | Points out an argument that relies on the opinion of an authority figure without sufficient evidence. |
| That’s ad hominem. | Attacking his character instead of addressing his arguments is an ad hominem fallacy. | Highlights an argument that attacks the person making the argument instead of the argument itself. |
| That’s a hasty generalization. | Drawing conclusions about an entire group of people based on a few isolated incidents is a hasty generalization. | Points out an argument that draws a conclusion based on insufficient evidence. |
| That’s a red herring. | He’s trying to distract us from the real issue by throwing out a red herring. | Highlights an argument that introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the main issue. |
| That’s a false dichotomy. | Presenting only two options when there are actually more is a false dichotomy. | Points out an argument that presents a limited number of options when more exist. |
| That’s begging the question. | He’s begging the question by assuming the very thing he’s trying to prove. | Highlights an argument that assumes the conclusion in the premise. |
| That’s an equivocation. | He’s using the word “bank” in two different senses, which is an example of equivocation. | Points out an argument that uses a word or phrase in different senses without making the distinction clear. |
| That’s a composition fallacy. | Assuming that because each part of the machine is lightweight, the entire machine must be lightweight is a composition fallacy. | Highlights an argument that assumes that what is true of the parts must be true of the whole. |
Lack of Understanding Examples
This table provides examples of phrases to use when you personally don’t understand something.
| Expression | Example Sentence | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t understand. | I don’t understand what you’re trying to say. | A simple and direct statement of incomprehension. |
| I don’t get it. | I don’t get the joke. | More informal than “I don’t understand.” |
| I can’t follow you. | I can’t follow you; can you explain it again? | Indicates difficulty in keeping up with the speaker’s train of thought. |
| I’m lost. | I’m completely lost; where are we in the discussion? | Emphasizes a feeling of being confused and disoriented. |
| I’m not sure I understand. | I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “synergy.” | A more polite way of expressing incomprehension. |
| I’m having trouble understanding. | I’m having trouble understanding the instructions. | Highlights a personal difficulty in comprehending something. |
| I can’t make sense of it. | I can’t make sense of this report. | Indicates an inability to find any meaning or coherence. |
| I can’t wrap my head around it. | I can’t wrap my head around the theory of relativity. | Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding a complex concept. |
| It’s beyond me. | Quantum physics is completely beyond me. | Indicates that something is too difficult to understand. |
| I’m not following. | Sorry, I’m not following. Could you clarify that point? | A more casual way of saying “I can’t follow you.” |
| Could you explain that again? | That sounds interesting, but could you explain that again in simpler terms? | A polite request for clarification. |
| Could you elaborate on that? | I’m interested in your idea, but could you elaborate on that point? | A request for more detail and explanation. |
| What do you mean by that? | You said it was “counterintuitive.” What do you mean by that? | A direct question asking for clarification of a specific term or phrase. |
| I’m not quite clear on… | I’m not quite clear on the implications of this policy change. | A polite way of saying that you don’t fully understand something. |
| I’m a bit confused about… | I’m a bit confused about the timeline of the project. | A gentle way of expressing confusion. |
| I’m struggling to understand… | I’m struggling to understand the underlying assumptions of this model. | Highlights a personal effort to understand something difficult. |
| I’m having a hard time grasping… | I’m having a hard time grasping the nuances of this legal document. | Emphasizes the difficulty in fully understanding something complex. |
| I’m unclear on… | I’m unclear on the specific steps involved in the process. | A formal way of saying that you don’t understand something. |
| I’m perplexed by… | I’m perplexed by the sudden change in his behavior. | A more sophisticated way of expressing confusion. |
| I’m at a loss to understand… | I’m at a loss to understand why he made that decision. | A formal way of expressing complete incomprehension. |
Absurdity and Nonsense Examples
This table provides examples of phrases to use when something is completely ridiculous or nonsensical.
| Expression | Example Sentence | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| That’s absurd. | The idea that the Earth is flat is absurd. | Directly states that something is ridiculous. |
| That’s nonsense. | What he’s saying is complete nonsense. | Indicates that something is devoid of meaning. |
| That’s ridiculous. | Paying that much for a cup of coffee is ridiculous. | Similar to “absurd,” but often with a stronger emotional tone. |
| That’s preposterous. | The suggestion that we could finish the project in one day is preposterous. | Emphasizes the outlandishness of something. |
| That’s ludicrous. | The idea that cats can fly is ludicrous. | Similar to “absurd” and “ridiculous.” |
| That’s crazy. | Spending all your money on lottery tickets is crazy. | Informal and often used to express disapproval. |
| That’s insane. | Driving that fast on a public road is insane. | Stronger than “crazy,” often implying danger or recklessness. |
| That’s just silly. | Wearing a hat indoors is just silly. | Indicates something is foolish and trivial. |
| That’s a joke. | The fact that he’s in charge is a joke. | Implies that something is not to be taken seriously. |
| That’s unbelievable. | The story he told was so far-fetched it was unbelievable. | Expresses disbelief and suggests that something is not credible. |
| That’s pure fantasy. | His plans for the future are pure fantasy and have no basis in reality. | Indicates something is entirely imaginary and unrealistic. |
| That’s a pipe dream. | His ambition to become an astronaut is just a pipe dream at this point. | Suggests that something is an unrealistic hope or aspiration. |
| That’s out of this world. | His explanation was so strange, it was out of this world. | Indicates something is bizarre and extraordinary. |
| That’s beyond the pale. | His behavior at the party was beyond the pale. | Suggests that something is unacceptable or outrageous. |
| That’s the height of absurdity. | The entire situation is the height of absurdity. | Emphasizes the extreme level of ridiculousness. |
| That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. | Honestly, that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. | A strong statement of disbelief and amusement. |
| That’s a load of rubbish. | Don’t listen to him; it’s a load of rubbish. | (British English) Indicates that something is false and worthless. |
| That’s a bunch of baloney. | He’s just telling you a bunch of baloney. | (American English) Indicates that something is false and nonsensical. |
| That’s poppycock. | His claims about his accomplishments are pure poppycock. | An old-fashioned term for nonsense. |
| That’s hooey. | Don’t believe a word he says; it’s all hooey. | A slang term for nonsense. |
Implausibility and Doubt Examples
This table provides examples of phrases to use when you find something hard to believe or doubt its validity.
| Expression | Example Sentence | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| I find that hard to believe. | I find that hard to believe, given his past record. | Expresses skepticism. |
| I doubt that. | I doubt that he’ll actually follow through with his promise. | Expresses a lack of confidence. |
| I’m not sure about that. | I’m not sure about that; it seems unlikely. | A more cautious way of expressing doubt. |
| That seems unlikely. | That seems unlikely, given the current circumstances. | Expresses a low probability. |
| I’m skeptical. | I’m skeptical of his claims. | Expresses a tendency to doubt. |
| I have my doubts. | I have my doubts about his ability to succeed. | Expresses uncertainty. |
| I’m not convinced. | I’m not convinced by his arguments. | Expresses a lack of persuasion. |
| That’s questionable. | His motives are questionable. | Suggests that something is suspicious. |
| I’m not buying it. | He tried to convince me, but I’m not buying it. | Informal way of saying “I don’t believe it.” |
| That’s a bit far-fetched. | The plot of the movie was a bit far-fetched. | Suggests that something is unrealistic or improbable. |
| That’s hard to swallow. | His explanation for the missing money is hard to swallow. | Indicates that something is difficult to accept or believe. |
| I’m taking that with a grain of salt. | I’m taking his promises with a grain of salt. | Indicates that you’re not fully trusting something. |
| I’ll believe it when I see it. | He says he’ll finish the project by tomorrow, but I’ll believe it when I see it. | Expresses strong doubt and requires proof. |
| That doesn’t ring true. | His story doesn’t ring true. | Suggests that something seems false or insincere. |
| That’s a tall tale. | He’s always telling tall tales. | Indicates that something is an exaggerated or fabricated story. |
| I’m dubious about that. | I’m dubious about the effectiveness of this new strategy. | A more formal way of expressing doubt. |
| That’s open to question. | His qualifications for the job are open to question. | Suggests that something is uncertain or debatable. |
| I’m hesitant to believe that. | Given his history, I’m hesitant to believe that. | Expresses reluctance to accept something as true. |
| I’m wary of… | I’m wary of his sudden enthusiasm. | Expresses caution and suspicion. |
| That sounds fishy. | The whole deal sounds fishy to me. | Informal way of saying that something seems suspicious or dishonest. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “doesn’t make sense,” consider the following:
- Context: Is the situation formal or informal? Choose language accordingly.
- Audience: Who are you speaking to? Avoid jargon or overly complex language if your audience is unfamiliar with it.
- Specificity: What aspect of incoherence do you want to emphasize? Choose a phrase that reflects the specific problem.
- Tone: Do you want to be direct, polite, humorous, or skeptical? Choose a phrase that conveys the appropriate tone.
For example, in a formal debate, you might say “That’s a logical fallacy.” In a casual conversation with a friend, you might say “That’s just crazy!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “doesn’t make sense”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I can’t sense of it.” | “I can’t make sense of it.” | The correct idiom is “make sense of.” |
| “That’s illogicalness.” | “That’s illogical.” | “Illogical” is an adjective, not a noun. |
| “I’m not understanding you.” | “I don’t understand you.” | “Understand” is a stative verb and is not typically used in the continuous tense in this context. |
| “It’s beyond my head.” | “It’s beyond me.” / “I can’t wrap my head around it.” | The correct idiom is “It’s beyond me” or “I can’t wrap my head around it.” |
Pay attention to these common errors to ensure your language is accurate and clear.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Phrase
Choose the best alternative to “doesn’t make sense” for each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| His explanation for why he was late was completely _____. | a) illogical b) absurd c) unclear | b) absurd |
| I’m _____ what you mean by “quantum entanglement.” | a) not convinced b) not following c) not sure | b) not following |
| Saying that vaccines cause autism is a _____. | a) logical fallacy b) silly idea c) good point | a) logical fallacy |
| The idea that we can travel to Mars next year seems _____. | a) hard to believe b) easy to understand c) very logical | a) hard to believe |
| Her story about finding a million dollars in the street sounds _____. | a) completely logical b) fishy c) very clear | b) fishy |
| His argument is _____; he keeps contradicting himself. | a) consistent b) incoherent c) persuasive | b) incoherent |
| I’m _____ about his motives for helping us. | a) certain b) dubious c) confident | b) dubious |
| The claim that the Earth is flat is simply _____. | a) scientific b) preposterous c) reasonable | b) preposterous |
| I _____ understand the instructions for assembling this furniture. | a) easily b) clearly c) can’t | c) can’t |
| His sudden change of heart seems _____. | a) genuine b) questionable c) predictable | b) questionable |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite each sentence using an alternative to “doesn’t make sense.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| His reasoning doesn’t make sense. | His reasoning is flawed. |
| I can’t understand this math problem; it doesn’t make sense. | I can’t wrap my head around this math problem. |
| The idea of a talking dog doesn’t make sense. | The idea of a talking dog is absurd. |
| His excuse for being absent doesn’t make sense to me. | I find his excuse for being absent hard to believe. |
| What he’s proposing doesn’t make sense in the current economic climate. | What he’s proposing seems unlikely in the current economic climate. |
| Her explanation doesn’t make sense; it’s full of contradictions. | Her explanation is inconsistent; it’s full of contradictions. |
| The politician’s promises don’t make sense given his past actions. | I’m skeptical of the politician’s promises given his past actions. |
| The concept of time travel doesn’t make sense to me. | The concept of time travel is beyond me. |
| His claim to be the rightful heir doesn’t make sense. | His claim to be the rightful heir is questionable. |
| The plot of this movie doesn’t make sense at all. | The plot of this movie is complete nonsense. |
Exercise 3: Contextual Application
Provide an appropriate alternative to “doesn’t make sense” in the following scenarios.
| Scenario | Your Response |
|---|---|
| A friend tells you they saw a unicorn in their backyard. | “I find that hard to believe.” |
| Your boss presents a new strategy that seems completely unrealistic. | “That seems unlikely to succeed.” |
| Someone tells a joke you don’t understand. | “I don’t get it.” |
| You’re reading a complex philosophical text. | “I’m struggling to understand this.” |
| A colleague proposes a solution that contradicts company policy. | “That’s illogical, given our company policy.” |
| Someone claims to have invented a perpetual motion machine. | “That’s absurd; it violates the laws of physics.” |
| You’re listening to a complex lecture on quantum physics. | “I’m completely lost; could you explain that again?” |
| A politician makes a promise that contradicts their previous statements. | “That’s inconsistent with your previous stance.” |
| Someone tells you a story that seems too good to be true. | “That sounds a bit far-fetched.” |
| You’re trying to follow a complicated set of instructions. | “I can’t follow these instructions; they’re very unclear.” |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of expressing incoherence.
Idiomatic Expressions
English is full of idiomatic expressions that convey incomprehension. Examples include:
- “It’s all Greek to me.” (meaning completely incomprehensible)
- “I can’t make head nor tail of it.” (meaning unable to understand anything)
- “It’s double Dutch.” (meaning incomprehensible language)
These expressions add color and personality to your language, but should be used appropriately, considering your audience and the context.
Formal vs. Informal Language
The level of formality should influence your choice of expression. In formal settings, opt for precise and analytical language, such as “That’s a logical fallacy” or “The argument is internally inconsistent.” In informal settings, you can use more casual and idiomatic language, such as “That’s crazy!” or “I’m not buying it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is “doesn’t make sense” always wrong to use?
A: No, “doesn’t make sense” is perfectly acceptable in many situations. However, using a variety of expressions can make your language more precise and engaging. - Q: How can I improve my understanding of complex arguments?
A: Practice critical thinking, ask clarifying questions, and break down arguments into smaller, more manageable parts. - Q: What’s the difference between “illogical” and “absurd”?
A: “Illogical” refers to a flaw in reasoning, while “absurd” refers to something that is ridiculous or nonsensical. - Q: How can I politely express that I don’t understand something?
A: Use phrases like “I’m not sure I understand,” “Could you clarify that?” or “I’m having trouble understanding.” - Q: Are there any regional differences in the use of these expressions?
A: Yes, some expressions, like “a load of rubbish” (British English) or “a bunch of baloney” (American English), are more common in certain regions. - Q: How can I tell if someone is using a logical fallacy?
A: Look for flaws in their reasoning, such as inconsistencies, unsupportedpremises, or irrelevant information. Familiarize yourself with common fallacies like ad hominem, straw man, and false dichotomy.
- Q: What should I do if I disagree with someone but can’t articulate why?
A: Take time to analyze their argument and identify the specific point of disagreement. It can be helpful to write down your thoughts or discuss them with someone else. - Q: How can I avoid sounding condescending when pointing out a logical flaw?
A: Use polite and respectful language. Frame your criticism as a question or suggestion rather than a direct accusation. For example, “Have you considered…?” or “I’m wondering if…”. - Q: Is it ever appropriate to simply say “That’s wrong”?
A: While direct, it’s best to avoid this phrase without explaining why it’s wrong. Always provide a reason or alternative perspective to support your statement. - Q: How can I improve my overall communication skills?
A: Practice active listening, be mindful of your tone, and seek feedback from others. Reading widely and exposing yourself to different viewpoints can also broaden your understanding and improve your ability to articulate your thoughts.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of expressing incoherence involves more than simply saying “doesn’t make sense.” By understanding the nuances of different expressions and tailoring your language to the context, audience, and specific type of incoherence, you can communicate more effectively and persuasively. This article has provided you with a comprehensive toolkit of alternative phrases, usage rules, and practice exercises to enhance your communication skills and articulate your thoughts with greater precision and clarity.
Continue to practice and refine your language, and you’ll find yourself expressing complex ideas with confidence and skill.