When we encounter something that doesn’t make sense, it often leaves us confused or unsure about the situation. Whether it’s an idea, a piece of information, or an explanation, understanding the reasoning behind it can sometimes be challenging. This phrase is commonly used to express confusion, logical fallacy, or inconsistency in communication.
However, knowing how and when to use “doesn’t make sense” is crucial for clear communication. Here, we’ll explore the meaning of “doesn’t make sense”, its synonyms, and how to use it effectively. We’ll also discuss when alternative phrases might work better to avoid misunderstanding and promote coherent reasoning.
Quick Summary
The phrase “doesn’t make sense” is commonly used when something seems confusing, illogical, or just doesn’t seem to fit together properly. It’s an easy way to express misunderstanding or confusion, but it’s important to know when to use it and how to say it in a way that doesn’t come off as too blunt. In this guide, we’ll explore what “doesn’t make sense” means, when it’s okay to use, and how it affects communication, especially in professional settings.
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Meaning of “Doesn’t Make Sense”
At its core, the phrase “doesn’t make sense” is used to express confusion, inconsistency, or a lack of logical reasoning. It indicates that something is unclear or doesn’t seem to fit together well. Whether you’re reading a difficult explanation, hearing a contradictory statement, or trying to understand a complex problem, saying “this doesn’t make sense” is often a quick way to show you don’t fully grasp the idea.
The phrase typically means that there’s some discrepancy or confusion in the information being presented. You might say it when you’re having trouble connecting the dots or when something feels contradictory or ambiguous. For example, if someone presents you with a logical fallacy, or you can’t quite follow a complex explanation, you might use the phrase to express the need for more clarification.
Usage of “Doesn’t Make Sense”
The phrase “doesn’t make sense” is incredibly useful in both casual and formal conversations. It’s perfect when you need to highlight semantic ambiguity or when something doesn’t seem to fit logically. For example, in everyday conversation, if someone explains something and it feels unclear, you might simply say, “This doesn’t make sense” to express your confusion.
However, it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to use it. In some situations, such as professional emails, meetings, or presentations, this phrase might sound a bit too blunt. In these cases, it’s often better to choose softer alternatives. For example, instead of saying “This doesn’t make sense,” you could say, “I’m having difficulty following this explanation,” or “Could you help clarify this point?”
The phrase is often used when you’re either seeking clarification or questioning the logic of something presented. In more informal situations, it’s a good way to express your mental processing of a confusing situation.
“Doesn’t Make Sense” : Is It Professional to Say?
When it comes to professional communication, the phrase “doesn’t make sense” can be seen as too direct or even disrespectful if used carelessly. It’s not the best choice in highly formal environments where maintaining a professional tone is crucial. For example, if you are working in a corporate setting and you don’t understand a report, bluntly saying, “This doesn’t make sense” might be interpreted as dismissive or confrontational.
However, it’s not always wrong to use. In some professional settings, such as brainstorming sessions or informal team meetings, expressing confusion or seeking clarification might be necessary. Just be mindful of how you phrase it. A more polite way might be to ask, “Could you elaborate on this?” or “I’m not sure I fully understand this; could you explain it again?”
In short, the phrase is acceptable in many situations, but it’s important to assess the context and tone to ensure clear and effective communication without unintentionally creating a cognitive disconnection.
Advantages and Disadvantages of “Doesn’t Make Sense”
Advantages
- Clear Communication: One of the biggest advantages of using “doesn’t make sense” is its simplicity and clarity. It quickly tells others that you need further explanation or that something is unclear.
- Direct: It’s a straightforward way to express that something doesn’t align or add up in your mind.
- Easy to Use: The phrase doesn’t require complicated wording, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of their language proficiency.
Disadvantages
- Can Sound Blunt: In some contexts, especially in formal settings, “doesn’t make sense” can come across as blunt or even rude. It may be seen as criticizing the other person’s idea or presentation.
- Misses Subtlety: The phrase doesn’t always convey a desire for understanding. Sometimes, it may imply you’re not open to further explanation or that the problem lies entirely with the other person’s communication.
- Might Cause Frustration: If not used carefully, the phrase can cause frustration, especially when dealing with complexity in communication. It could shut down productive conversations or prevent others from wanting to explain things further.
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Synonyms of “Doesn’t Make Sense”
Sometimes, a gentler or more formal alternative is needed. Here are a few synonyms you might use instead of “doesn’t make sense”:
- I don’t follow
Meaning: You are having trouble understanding.
Example: “I don’t follow your argument about the budget cuts.” - This is unclear to me
Meaning: The explanation is hard to understand.
Example: “This is unclear to me; could you explain it again?” - I don’t understand
Meaning: You are confused or not comprehending the situation.
Example: “I don’t understand why we need to change the plan so suddenly.” - This is confusing
Meaning: The information is hard to interpret.
Example: “Your instructions are confusing; could you simplify them?” - I’m not sure I get it
Meaning: You’re uncertain about your understanding.
Example: “I’m not sure I get it—why is the timeline shortened?” - This seems illogical
Meaning: The reasoning doesn’t make sense or is inconsistent.
Example: “This seems illogical, given the circumstances.” - I can’t make sense of this
Meaning: The situation or information is difficult to understand.
Example: “I can’t make sense of this report; the data doesn’t add up.” - This is ambiguous
Meaning: The meaning is unclear or open to multiple interpretations.
Example: “The instructions are ambiguous—can you clarify?” - I’m not sure I follow this
Meaning: You’re struggling to grasp the concept.
Example: “I’m not sure I follow this explanation about the new process.” - This is contradictory
Meaning: Two ideas or pieces of information conflict with each other.
Example: “Your statement is contradictory to what was discussed earlier.” - This doesn’t add up
Meaning: The facts don’t seem to fit or make sense.
Example: “The numbers don’t add up, and it’s making me doubt the conclusion.” - I’m having trouble understanding this
Meaning: You are finding it difficult to comprehend.
Example: “I’m having trouble understanding this part of the meeting agenda.”
Few More Synonyms of “Doesn’t Make Sense”
- This seems inconsistent
Meaning: The information or reasoning lacks harmony or agreement.
Example: “The data seems inconsistent with previous reports.” - This doesn’t seem logical
Meaning: The reasoning does not seem to be based on sound reasoning.
Example: “This doesn’t seem logical given the facts we have.” - This feels vague
Meaning: The explanation or idea is not clear.
Example: “Your explanation feels vague, can you be more specific?” - This needs clarification
Meaning: The information requires further explanation.
Example: “This needs clarification; I’m not sure what you’re saying.” - I can’t quite grasp this
Meaning: You’re unable to fully comprehend the idea or situation.
Example: “I can’t quite grasp this idea about the new system update.” - This doesn’t seem right
Meaning: Something feels off or incorrect about the situation.
Example: “This doesn’t seem right; I believe we’re missing some key information.” - This seems off
Meaning: Something about the information or situation doesn’t feel correct.
Example: “This seems off to me; the numbers are too high.” - This doesn’t add up logically
Meaning: The reasoning or facts don’t align logically.
Example: “This doesn’t add up logically—how can the figures be this high?” - This doesn’t fit together
Meaning: The elements or ideas are not cohesive.
Example: “The pieces of the puzzle don’t fit together—can you explain?” - This is hard to make sense of
Meaning: The situation is difficult to comprehend.
Example: “This is hard to make sense of—could you break it down for me?” - There’s a gap in understanding
Meaning: Something is missing, and the full idea is not clear.
Example: “There’s a gap in understanding here; I need more details.” - This seems flawed
Meaning: There is something wrong with the reasoning or explanation.
Example: “This seems flawed—there are inconsistencies in the argument.”
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Grammar Rule and Examples
The phrase “doesn’t make sense” follows a simple grammatical structure. It is made up of the subject, followed by doesn’t (the contracted form of “does not”), and the verb “make,” which is used in its base form. Here’s a breakdown:
- Subject + doesn’t + make + sense
Example 1:
- “The explanation doesn’t make sense to me.”
Example 2:
- “His reasoning doesn’t make sense given the evidence.”
Remember that “doesn’t” is used when the subject is in the third person singular (he, she, it). If the subject is plural, you would use “don’t” instead of “doesn’t.”
Incorrect Example:
- “This don’t make sense.” (Incorrect because “don’t” should be “doesn’t” when referring to singular subjects.)
FAQ’s:
What does “doesn’t make sense” mean?
It means something is unclear, illogical, or difficult to understand.
Is it professional to say “doesn’t make sense”?
It can sound blunt or dismissive in professional settings, so it’s better to use softer alternatives.
What are some synonyms for “doesn’t make sense”?
Some alternatives include “I don’t follow,” “This is confusing,” and “This seems illogical.”
Why is using alternatives to “doesn’t make sense” important?
It helps to maintain a respectful tone, reduce confusion, and improve communication clarity.
When should I use “doesn’t make sense”?
It’s best used when expressing confusion or asking for clarification, but always be mindful of context.
Conclusion
The phrase “doesn’t make sense” is a helpful tool for expressing confusion or seeking clarification. While it’s widely used in both casual and professional settings, it’s important to choose when and how to use it to avoid sounding blunt or disrespectful.
Depending on the context, softer alternatives can often provide a more effective and clear communication approach. By understanding its impact and exploring other options, you can maintain logical reasoning and encourage more productive and respectful conversations. Always aim for conceptual clarity to avoid any misunderstanding.
