The phrase “makes sense” is a common and useful way to express understanding or agreement in English. However, relying solely on this phrase can limit your ability to communicate nuanced ideas and impress native speakers.
This article explores a wide range of alternative expressions, offering you a richer and more versatile vocabulary. By mastering these alternatives, you can express your understanding with greater precision and sophistication, enhancing your overall communication skills.
This guide is designed for English learners of all levels, from beginner to advanced, who wish to refine their language skills and communicate more effectively in diverse contexts.
Whether you are writing an essay, participating in a discussion, or simply chatting with friends, knowing different ways to say “makes sense” will allow you to express yourself more clearly and confidently. This article provides detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you integrate these alternative expressions into your everyday language use.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Makes Sense”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Makes Sense”
The phrase “makes sense” is an idiomatic expression in English that signifies that something is understandable, logical, reasonable, or coherent. It implies that an idea, explanation, or course of action is easily grasped and appears sound upon consideration.
It’s a versatile phrase used in various contexts to indicate comprehension and agreement.
In essence, “makes sense” suggests that the information presented aligns with existing knowledge, logic, or expectations. It can also indicate that a proposed solution or plan is practical and likely to succeed.
The phrase is widely used in both formal and informal settings, making it an essential part of everyday communication.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “makes sense” is composed of two primary elements: the verb “make” and the noun “sense.” The verb “make” in this context means “to cause to be or become,” while the noun “sense” refers to a coherent meaning or understanding. Together, they form a phrasal verb that expresses the idea of something becoming understandable or logical.
The structure is relatively simple, but its meaning is nuanced and context-dependent. Understanding the individual components helps in appreciating the overall meaning of the phrase.
The phrase typically appears as “it makes sense,” where “it” refers to the subject under discussion.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Subject: Usually “it” (referring to an idea, plan, or statement)
- Verb: “Makes” (third-person singular present tense of “make”)
- Noun: “Sense” (meaning understanding or logic)
Types and Categories of Alternatives
There are various ways to express the idea of “makes sense,” each with its own subtle nuances and appropriate contexts. These alternatives can be categorized based on the specific aspect of “makes sense” that they emphasize.
Expressing Agreement or Understanding
These alternatives focus on conveying that you understand and agree with something. They indicate that you find the information presented to be clear and acceptable.
- I understand: A direct way to indicate comprehension.
- I see your point: Shows that you grasp the speaker’s perspective.
- That’s clear: Indicates that the explanation is easy to follow.
- I agree: Expresses direct agreement with the statement.
- That’s right: Affirms the correctness of the statement.
- Got it: An informal way to say you understand.
- Understood: A more formal way to indicate comprehension.
Expressing Reasonableness or Logic
These alternatives emphasize the logical or rational nature of something. They suggest that the idea or plan is sound and well-reasoned.
- That’s logical: Directly states that something follows logic.
- That’s reasonable: Indicates that something is fair and sensible.
- That’s rational: Suggests that something is based on reason and sound judgment.
- That figures: Implies that something is expected or predictable.
- It stands to reason: Indicates that something is a logical conclusion.
- That adds up: Suggests that all the information fits together coherently.
- That checks out: Confirms that something is consistent with known facts.
Expressing Clarity or Comprehensibility
These alternatives focus on how easy something is to understand. They indicate that the information is presented in a clear and accessible manner.
- That’s clear: Indicates that something is easy to understand.
- That’s understandable: Suggests that something is easy to grasp.
- That’s straightforward: Implies that something is simple and direct.
- That’s self-explanatory: Indicates that something requires no further explanation.
- That’s easy to follow: Suggests that something is presented in a logical and clear sequence.
Expressing Feasibility or Practicality
These alternatives emphasize the practicality and viability of something. They suggest that the idea or plan is likely to succeed in practice.
- That’s feasible: Indicates that something is possible and achievable.
- That’s practical: Suggests that something is sensible and likely to work well.
- That’s viable: Implies that something is capable of succeeding.
- That’s doable: Indicates that something can be accomplished.
- That’s workable: Suggests that something can be put into practice effectively.
Examples
To illustrate the various ways to say “makes sense,” here are several examples categorized by the types discussed above. Each category provides different contexts and demonstrates the nuances of each expression.
Agreement and Understanding Examples
The following table provides examples of phrases that express agreement or understanding, showcasing how they can be used in different contexts.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| I understand | “If you explain the process again, I think I understand now.” | Clarifying a process |
| I see your point | “I see your point about the budget constraints; we’ll have to prioritize.” | Discussing budget limitations |
| That’s clear | “That’s clear now; thank you for the explanation.” | After receiving an explanation |
| I agree | “I agree with your assessment of the situation.” | Expressing agreement |
| That’s right | “That’s right, the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.” | Confirming a detail |
| Got it | “Got it, I’ll submit the report by tomorrow.” | Confirming a task |
| Understood | “Understood, I will handle this with utmost care.” | Receiving instructions |
| I get it | “I get it now; the formula makes sense.” | Understanding a formula |
| Right | “Right, that’s exactly what I was thinking.” | Showing agreement |
| Okay | “Okay, I’ll start working on it immediately.” | Accepting a task |
| Indeed | “Indeed, that’s a valid point to consider.” | Acknowledging a valid point |
| Precisely | “Precisely, that’s the correct approach.” | Confirming the correct approach |
| Absolutely | “Absolutely, I completely agree with you.” | Expressing strong agreement |
| Exactly | “Exactly! That’s what I meant.” | Confirming understanding |
| Sure | “Sure, I understand what you’re saying.” | Showing understanding |
| You’re right | “You’re right, this is the best solution.” | Acknowledging correctness |
| That’s correct | “That’s correct, the answer is 42.” | Confirming the answer |
| True | “True, what you said is definitely accurate.” | Confirming accuracy |
| I see | “I see, that explains everything.” | Expressing understanding |
| I follow | “I follow, please continue with the explanation.” | Indicating you are following along |
| That makes sense to me | “That makes sense to me, given the circumstances.” | Expressing personal understanding |
| I comprehend | “I comprehend the implications of your decision.” | Indicating comprehensive understanding |
| I appreciate that | “I appreciate that explanation, it clarifies things.” | Expressing appreciation and understanding |
| I understand where you’re coming from | “I understand where you’re coming from, but I still disagree.” | Understanding the perspective |
Reasonableness and Logic Examples
This table provides examples of phrases that emphasize the logical or rational nature of something, offering alternative ways to express that something “makes sense” from a logical standpoint.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| That’s logical | “That’s logical; if we invest more, we should see higher returns.” | Discussing investment strategies |
| That’s reasonable | “That’s reasonable; a 10% increase in sales is achievable.” | Setting sales targets |
| That’s rational | “That’s rational; cutting costs will improve our profitability.” | Discussing cost-cutting measures |
| That figures | “That figures; he’s always late for meetings.” | Explaining someone’s behavior |
| It stands to reason | “It stands to reason that if we improve our product, we’ll attract more customers.” | Predicting customer behavior |
| That adds up | “That adds up; the numbers match the projections.” | Verifying financial data |
| That checks out | “That checks out; the data is consistent with our findings.” | Confirming data accuracy |
| That’s sound | “That’s a sound strategy; it aligns with our goals.” | Evaluating a strategy |
| That’s valid | “That’s a valid point; we should consider it.” | Acknowledging a valid point |
| It follows | “It follows that if we reduce prices, demand will increase.” | Deducing an outcome |
| That’s consistent | “That’s consistent with what we already know.” | Confirming consistency |
| That’s justifiable | “That’s justifiable given the circumstances.” | Justifying a decision |
| It makes sense logically | “It makes sense logically, but is it practical?” | Considering logical practicality |
| That’s a solid argument | “That’s a solid argument; I’m convinced.” | Acknowledging a good argument |
| That’s well-reasoned | “That’s well-reasoned; I appreciate your thought process.” | Appreciating a reasoned explanation |
| That’s coherent | “That’s a coherent explanation of the events.” | Describing a coherent explanation |
| That’s a sensible approach | “That’s a sensible approach to solving the problem.” | Describing a sensible approach |
| That’s a smart move | “That’s a smart move; it will benefit us in the long run.” | Praising a smart decision |
| That’s a wise decision | “That’s a wise decision considering the risks involved.” | Praising a wise decision |
| That’s a good call | “That’s a good call; it will save us time and money.” | Praising a good decision |
| That’s a calculated move | “That’s a calculated move; it shows foresight.” | Acknowledging a calculated move |
| That’s a strategic decision | “That’s a strategic decision that aligns with our goals.” | Describing a strategic decision |
| It’s a logical conclusion | “It’s a logical conclusion based on the evidence.” | Stating a logical conclusion |
| That’s a valid conclusion | “That’s a valid conclusion given the information we have.” | Acknowledging a valid conclusion |
Clarity and Comprehensibility Examples
The following table provides examples of phrases that emphasize clarity and comprehensibility, offering alternatives to “makes sense” when you want to highlight how easy something is to understand.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| That’s clear | “That’s clear; the instructions are easy to follow.” | Evaluating instructions |
| That’s understandable | “That’s understandable; the situation is quite complex.” | Acknowledging a complex situation |
| That’s straightforward | “That’s straightforward; the process is simple.” | Describing a simple process |
| That’s self-explanatory | “That’s self-explanatory; the diagram shows everything.” | Describing a diagram |
| That’s easy to follow | “That’s easy to follow; the steps are clearly outlined.” | Reviewing outlined steps |
| That’s accessible | “That’s accessible to everyone; the language is simple.” | Describing accessible language |
| That’s lucid | “That’s a lucid explanation; I understand it perfectly.” | Appreciating a clear explanation |
| That’s coherent | “That’s a coherent narrative; it all fits together.” | Describing a coherent narrative |
| That’s well-explained | “That’s well-explained; I now understand the concept.” | Acknowledging a good explanation |
| That’s easy to grasp | “That’s easy to grasp; the idea is simple.” | Describing a simple idea |
| That’s easily understood | “That’s easily understood by anyone with basic knowledge.” | Describing easy-to-understand information |
| That’s unambiguous | “That’s unambiguous; there’s no room for misinterpretation.” | Describing unambiguous information |
| That’s plain | “That’s plain; anyone can see it.” | Describing something obvious |
| That’s evident | “That’s evident from the data.” | Describing something evident |
| That’s apparent | “That’s apparent to anyone paying attention.” | Describing something apparent |
| That’s obvious | “That’s obvious; it’s right there.” | Describing something obvious |
| That’s clear as day | “That’s clear as day; I can see it now.” | Describing something very clear |
| That’s transparent | “That’s transparent; there are no hidden motives.” | Describing transparency |
| That’s readily apparent | “That’s readily apparent upon inspection.” | Describing something readily apparent |
| That’s easily discernible | “That’s easily discernible from the context.” | Describing something easily discernible |
| That’s intuitively obvious | “That’s intuitively obvious to anyone who has worked here.” | Describing something intuitively obvious |
| That’s readily comprehensible | “That’s readily comprehensible to students.” | Describing something readily comprehensible |
Feasibility and Practicality Examples
This table provides examples of phrases that emphasize the practicality and viability of something, offering alternative ways to say “makes sense” when you want to highlight that an idea or plan is likely to succeed in practice.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| That’s feasible | “That’s feasible; we have the resources to complete it.” | Assessing project feasibility |
| That’s practical | “That’s practical; it’s the most efficient solution.” | Evaluating a solution |
| That’s viable | “That’s viable; the business model is sustainable.” | Assessing a business model |
| That’s doable | “That’s doable; we can finish it within the deadline.” | Assessing task achievability |
| That’s workable | “That’s workable; the plan can be put into practice effectively.” | Evaluating a plan’s practicality |
| That’s realistic | “That’s a realistic goal; we can achieve it.” | Setting achievable goals |
| That’s achievable | “That’s achievable with the right strategy.” | Assessing achievability |
| That’s attainable | “That’s an attainable objective.” | Describing an attainable objective |
| That’s possible | “That’s possible if we work together.” | Assessing possibility |
| That’s within reach | “That’s within reach if we focus our efforts.” | Describing something within reach |
| That’s implementable | “That’s easily implementable within the existing framework.” | Describing ease of implementation |
| That’s actionable | “That’s an actionable plan that we can start immediately.” | Describing an actionable plan |
| That’s executable | “That’s executable; we have the resources and expertise.” | Assessing executability |
| That’s applicable | “That’s applicable to our current situation.” | Describing applicability |
| That’s relevant | “That’s relevant to the discussion at hand.” | Describing relevance |
| That’s appropriate | “That’s an appropriate response to the situation.” | Describing appropriateness |
| That’s suitable | “That’s a suitable solution for the problem.” | Describing suitability |
| That’s fitting | “That’s a fitting tribute to his work.” | Describing something fitting |
| That’s proper | “That’s the proper way to handle the situation.” | Describing the proper way |
| That’s efficient | “That’s an efficient use of resources.” | Describing efficiency |
| That’s effective | “That’s an effective strategy for achieving our goals.” | Describing effectiveness |
| That’s productive | “That’s a productive way to spend our time.” | Describing productivity |
Usage Rules
While the alternatives to “makes sense” offer a wider range of expression, it’s important to use them appropriately. Here are some usage rules to consider:
- Context is Key: Choose the alternative that best fits the context. For example, use “That’s logical” when emphasizing the rational nature of something and “That’s clear” when highlighting its comprehensibility.
- Formality: Be mindful of the level of formality. “Got it” is informal, while “Understood” is more formal.
- Audience: Consider your audience. Some expressions may be more suitable for specific groups or settings.
- Nuance: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning. “I see your point” acknowledges understanding but doesn’t necessarily imply agreement.
- Avoid Overuse: While these alternatives are useful, avoid overusing any single phrase. Vary your language to keep your communication engaging.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “makes sense”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “It is making sense.” | “It makes sense.” | “Makes sense” is an idiomatic expression; avoid adding unnecessary words. |
| “I am seeing your point, but…” | “I see your point, but…” | Use the simple present tense for idiomatic expressions. |
| “That is sensible, no?” | “That’s sensible, isn’t it?” | Use the correct tag question for confirmation. |
| “I am agree.” | “I agree.” | “Agree” is a verb and does not require “am” in the simple present. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “makes sense” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative to “makes sense” from the list provided:
(That’s logical, I understand, That’s feasible, That’s clear, I agree)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. If we increase our marketing budget, we should see more leads. __________. | That’s logical |
| 2. __________. Now I know how to solve the problem. | That’s clear |
| 3. __________. We can definitely complete the project on time with the resources we have. | That’s feasible |
| 4. __________. Your explanation makes perfect sense. | I understand |
| 5. __________. I think your proposal is excellent. | I agree |
| 6. If we lower the price, more people will buy it. __________. | That’s logical |
| 7. After your explanation, __________. | That’s clear |
| 8. With our team and resources, completing this task is __________. | That’s feasible |
| 9. After listening to your reasoning, __________. | I understand |
| 10. With the data you presented, __________. | I agree |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using an alternative to “makes sense”:
| Original Sentence | Transformed Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. His explanation makes sense. | His explanation is clear. |
| 2. The plan makes sense to me. | I find the plan reasonable. |
| 3. It makes sense that he’s late; he always is. | That figures; he’s always late. |
| 4. What you’re saying makes sense. | I see your point. |
| 5. The budget proposal makes sense. | The budget proposal is practical. |
| 6. The new strategy makes sense. | The new strategy is logical. |
| 7. The instructions make sense now. | The instructions are clear now. |
| 8. The project timeline makes sense. | The project timeline is feasible. |
| 9. Your argument makes sense. | I understand your argument. |
| 10. Her decision makes sense given the circumstances. | Her decision is reasonable given the circumstances. |
Exercise 3: Contextual Replacement
Choose the best alternative to “makes sense” for each context:
| Context | Question | Answer Choices | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explaining a complex scientific theory | “After breaking it down, the theory __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) That’s feasible | b) That’s clear |
| Discussing a business proposal | “With the resources we have, this project __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) That’s feasible | c) That’s feasible |
| Listening to someone’s reasoning | “__________; I now understand your position.” | a) I agree b) I understand c) I see your point | c) I see your point |
| Evaluating a strategic decision | “Considering the long-term benefits, the decision __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) I agree | a) That’s logical |
| Understanding instructions | “After reading the manual, the steps __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) That’s feasible | b) That’s clear |
| Considering resource availability | “Given our current resources, the plan __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s feasible c) I agree | b) That’s feasible |
| Understanding someone’s motivation | “After hearing their story, __________ their actions.” | a) I agree b) I understand c) That’s logical | b) I understand |
| Evaluating a business strategy | “Considering the market trends, the strategy __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) I agree | a) That’s logical |
| Understanding a complex concept | “After the explanation, the concept __________.” | a) That’s logical b) That’s clear c) I agree | b) That’s clear |
| Acknowledging a well-reasoned argument | “After listening to your argument, __________.” | a) I agree b) I understand c) That’s feasible | a) I agree |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the following topics to further enhance your understanding:
- Idiomatic Variations: Explore more nuanced idiomatic expressions that convey subtle shades of meaning related to understanding and agreement.
- Cultural Considerations: Investigate how different cultures express understanding and agreement, as these can vary significantly.
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: Deepen your understanding of when to use formal versus informal alternatives based on the context and audience.
- Figurative Language: Analyze how metaphors and similes can be used to convey the idea of understanding or agreement in creative ways.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “makes sense”:
- Why should I use alternatives to “makes sense”?
Using alternatives expands your vocabulary, allows you to express yourself more precisely, and makes your communication more engaging. It also helps you to sound more natural and fluent in English.
- Is “makes sense” incorrect?
No, “makes sense” is perfectly correct and widely used. However, relying solely on this phrase can limit your ability to express nuances and variations in meaning.
- How do I choose the right alternative?
Consider the context, the level of formality, and the specific aspect of “makes sense” you want to emphasize. For example, if you want to highlight the logical nature of something, use “That’s logical.”
- Are some alternatives more formal than others?
Yes, some alternatives are more formal than others. For example, “Understood” is more formal than “Got it.” Choose the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and your audience.
- Can I use these alternatives in writing?
Yes, you can and should use these alternatives in writing to make your text more varied and engaging. However, be mindful of the level of formality required for the specific writing context.
- What if I’m not sure which alternative to use?
When in doubt, “makes sense” is always a safe option. However, try to observe how native speakers use these alternatives in different contexts and gradually incorporate them into your own language use.
- Are there any alternatives that should be avoided?
Generally, no. All the alternatives listed are acceptable in the
appropriate context. However, be mindful of the connotations and nuances of each phrase and choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “makes sense” can significantly enhance your English communication skills. By expanding your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of different expressions, you can convey your thoughts and ideas more effectively and engage more confidently in conversations.
Remember to consider the context, formality, and audience when choosing the appropriate alternative. With practice and attention, you can seamlessly integrate these expressions into your everyday language use, making your communication richer and more compelling.