Are you trying to let someone know that you don’t understand something?
Perhaps you’d like to say that doesn’t make sense, but you’re worried it’s incorrect or unprofessional.
Luckily, you have options!
This article will show you how to say that doesn’t make sense politely when necessary for your writing.
6 Alternative Ways to Say “That Doesn’t Make Sense”
Feel free to review these 6 synonyms to learn a professional way to say that doesn’t make sense:
- I’m having trouble understanding
- I’m not following your point
- That seems unclear to me
- I’m a bit confused by that
- I’m having difficulty making sense of it
- I am struggling to see the connection
1. I’m Having Trouble Understanding
The more direct and honest you are when something doesn’t make sense, the easier it is to ask questions.
That’s where I’m having trouble understanding comes in.
It’s direct and lets people know you can’t wrap your head around an explanation.
Also, it helps that it’s formal and clear. So, most recipients will know exactly what you’re saying when you write something like this in an email.
You can use it when writing to a professor. It might relate to an assignment they set for you. Generally, this is a helpful way to ask for more information and show that you need guidance.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Professor Wall,
I’m having trouble understanding what you’re looking for here.
Could you please give me a detailed rundown of what you’d like to see?
Best regards,
Sally Taylor
2. I’m Not Following Your Point
Another way to say that doesn’t make sense is I’m not following your point. It’s clear and honest, which works well when expressing a misunderstanding or confusion you have.
Generally, you can use this when writing to your boss.
They might be trying to explain something to you but going about it in the wrong way. A simple synonym such as I’m not following your point lets them know to elaborate further.
We highly recommend this because it shows you’d like someone to dive into more detail. It’s still polite and formal, but it’s a good way to pester your boss for more information.
So, you can check out this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Miss Blister,
I’m not following your point at the moment.
Can you rephrase what you’re saying to help me understand more about it?
All the best,
Joanna Quinn
3. That Seems Unclear to Me
For a more polite way to say that doesn’t make sense, use that seems unclear to me.
This synonym works well when someone’s already tried to explain something to you. It’s honest and open, which suggests that you’re hoping for more of an explanation.
Try using it when working with teammates. If you’re working on the same project, this could be a good way to get on the same page as someone and ask for their ideas to be laid out.
Also, you can check out this email example if you need more help:
Dear Hazel,
That seems unclear to me, and I don’t know if it will help our prospects.
Do you want to talk about it in person to see if we can clear things up?
Yours,
Rachel Mathewson
4. I’m a Bit Confused By That
You can also use I’m a bit confused by that. It’s an excellent alternative that lets someone know you don’t understand what they’re saying.
Generally, this one is more friendly and polite. So, it’s a useful choice if you’re talking to a teacher who you already have a good connection with.
Of course, that means you can’t use this phrase in strict settings. You can’t use it when contacting a business partner or client, as it’s likely they expect more formal writing.
Nevertheless, check out this email sample to learn a little more about it:
Dear Mr. Wright,
You mentioned something about a solution. I’m a bit confused by that.
Could you run me through it again so I can figure out what you meant?
All the best,
Joey Anise
5. I’m Having Difficulty Making Sense of It
It’s worth using I’m having difficulty making sense of it instead of that doesn’t make sense.
This is a more honest and formal way to show someone you don’t understand them. It’s useful because it shows that you’re open to further explanations if the recipient can provide them.
Try using it when writing to your boss. It’s a great choice that lets them know you’re not currently on the same page.
It also suggests you’re willing to learn. So, you can use it when you’d like your boss to teach you something. Your boss will also be happy to see you take the initiative with a phrase like this.
Check out the following sample email if you need to know more about it:
Dear Miss Kichenside,
I’m having difficulty making sense of it at the moment.
Please try to reword your explanation, as I need to work it out.
Best regards,
Danny Foxworth
6. I Am Struggling to See the Connection
The last synonym we want to go through is I am struggling to see the connection.
This works well because it shows that you can’t connect an explanation together. The implication is that someone is trying to clear things up for you, but you aren’t following them.
Generally, it works best when discussing ideas with coworkers. You can use it when working on a project together and suggesting that you don’t get what they’re saying.
So, you should review this example to learn more about it:
Dear Craig,
I am struggling to see the connection with what you’re saying at the minute.
Do you think you could try again to help me understand?
Yours,
George Rider
Is It Correct to Say “That Doesn’t Make Sense”?
That doesn’t make sense is correct in informal situations.
It’s quite rude, though. So, you need to be careful when using it.
It’s unprofessional and shows that you simply don’t understand something that someone has explained to you. For the most part, it’s best to use it when texting friends (not in emails).
Here’s a great text message sample to show you more about it:
Hey, that doesn’t make sense to me. Why would you choose to do it that way?
You can also mix things up by using it instead of that. This pronoun choice allows you to be more specific about what you think makes no sense.
For instance:
It doesn’t make sense, Jon. I’m trying to figure it out, but I really don’t know what you’re trying to say.
You also have to use the correct verb form when writing the phrase. If you don’t, you could make yourself look quite silly when showing that you don’t understand someone.
Mistake 1: Using makes instead of make
- Correct: That doesn’t make sense
- Incorrect: That doesn’t makes sense
Another common mistake is using since instead of sense. That’s because the words sound similar when spoken aloud, but you should avoid this typical error!
Mistake 2: Using since instead of sense
- Correct: That doesn’t make sense
- Incorrect: That doesn’t make since
