Make Sense – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever read instructions that were totally confusing? Or heard someone explain an idea so clearly that everything clicked? In English, we say the first example “doesn’t make sense,” and the second one “makes perfect sense.” The phrase make sense is one of the most useful—and frequently used—expressions for talking about whether something is logical, clear, or understandable.
What Does “Make Sense” Mean?
“Make sense” means to be logical, reasonable, or easy to understand. When something makes sense, your brain can follow it without confusion. When it doesn’t, it feels strange, illogical, or unclear. Think of it like a puzzle piece fitting perfectly—or sticking out awkwardly. The phrase is always about clarity, not physical action.
When to Use It
Use “make sense” in almost any conversation:
• When checking understanding: “Does this explanation make sense?”
• When agreeing with logic: “It makes sense to leave early with all that traffic.”
• When something feels off: “His story just doesn’t make sense.”
It’s neutral—perfect for speaking, writing emails, studying, or casual chats. You’ll hear it everywhere: classrooms, meetings, movies, and texts.
Example Sentences
- Your plan makes a lot of sense—I think we should try it.
- Nothing she said made sense after the accident.
- It makes sense to save money before traveling.
- Wait, that doesn’t make sense. Why would he do that?
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “So we’ll meet at 7, take the train, and arrive by 8.”
Jamie: “Got it. Yeah, that makes sense!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t say “do sense” or “does it sense?”—the correct form is always “make sense.” Also, “make sense” is intransitive; you don’t “make sense something.” Instead, say “make sense of something” if you’re trying to understand it.
❌ Don’t say: “This sentence doesn’t do sense.”
✅ Do say: “This sentence doesn’t make sense.”
✅ Do say: “I’m trying to make sense of these directions.”
Practice Tip
After reading instructions, watching a video, or hearing an explanation, ask yourself: “Does this make sense?” If yes, say it aloud. If no, say, “This doesn’t make sense—can you explain again?” Using the phrase in real moments builds fluency fast.
Final Note
Now you can use “make sense” to check understanding, agree with logic, or point out confusion—with confidence and clarity. It’s one of those everyday phrases that native speakers use constantly. Keep listening for it, and soon you’ll use it without even thinking. You’re doing great!