“There are many ways to express confusion or doubt about something—let’s explore them.”
Understanding how to express confusion or the lack of clarity is essential in both personal and professional communication. When we say something “doesn’t make sense,” it can sometimes feel repetitive or too casual for certain conversations. Expanding your vocabulary in this area can significantly enhance your communication skills.
There are many other ways to express the same idea without sounding monotonous, offering a variety of phrases that better suit different situations and tones. Whether you’re discussing an idea, evaluating a plan, or commenting on a confusing statement, there are many expressions to explore.
In this blog, we’ll explore 35 alternative ways to say “doesn’t make sense.” From common idioms to more formal expressions, you’ll find phrases that you can use in everyday conversations and professional settings. The goal is to provide you with enough options so that you can confidently choose a suitable phrase for any context.
By expanding your vocabulary, you’ll improve your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Throughout the article, each phrase will be explained with examples, helping you understand when and how to use them. With practical scenarios, you’ll be able to see how each expression fits into different contexts, from casual to formal situations.
When you’re talking to a colleague, a friend, or even writing an email, this guide will help you master alternative ways to say “doesn’t make sense.”
1. It’s unclear.
Scenario:
James had been explaining his new project at work, but as he spoke, his instructions seemed confusing to Mark. Mark looked puzzled and said, “Sorry, James, but it’s unclear how you’re planning to get this done.”
Explanation:
This phrase works well when you want to suggest that something is vague or difficult to understand. It’s neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Additional Tips:
Use “unclear” when you’re trying to remain neutral without sounding too critical. It can soften the impact of a comment when explaining confusion.
2. I don’t get it.
Scenario:
Sophia was trying to explain a complicated math problem to her younger brother, but he didn’t understand her method. “I don’t get it,” he said, looking frustrated.
Explanation:
A casual way to express confusion. This phrase is perfect for informal conversations when you want to keep things simple.
Additional Tips:
This phrase is most appropriate when you’re speaking with close friends, family, or colleagues with whom you have a casual relationship.
3. It’s puzzling.
Scenario:
David read the new set of guidelines at work, but after a few minutes, he was still confused. “This report is puzzling. I can’t figure out the next step,” he muttered to his team.
Explanation:
“Puzzling” emphasizes that something is confusing in a way that requires more effort to understand. It’s a slightly formal term, suitable for both professional and casual situations.
Additional Tips:
This phrase works well when you need to express confusion but want to sound thoughtful, as if you’re trying to make sense of things.
4. It’s illogical.
Scenario:
Maria looked at the new office procedure her boss had introduced, and she felt it made no sense. “This new process is illogical; it seems like it’ll only slow us down,” she told her manager.
Explanation:
Use “illogical” when something lacks reasoning or doesn’t follow a clear path of logic. It’s often used in more formal settings, particularly in business or technical discussions.
Additional Tips:
This phrase can sometimes sound harsh, so make sure to use it when you genuinely believe something lacks logic, especially in a professional context.
5. That doesn’t add up.
Scenario:
Tom was reviewing the budget report for the new project and noticed discrepancies. “These numbers don’t add up,” he said to his colleague, Linda.
Explanation:
This phrase is often used in situations involving numbers or facts that seem inconsistent. It’s informal and ideal for discussions about calculations or logic that doesn’t seem to fit together.
Additional Tips:
“This doesn’t add up” is particularly effective when talking about finances or data analysis.
6. It doesn’t follow.
Scenario:
After hearing his friend’s explanation about his vacation plans, Adam said, “It doesn’t follow that you’re going to take a flight that long without a break.”
Explanation:
This phrase can be used when something seems inconsistent or doesn’t logically proceed from the previous point. It’s useful for both casual and formal situations.
Additional Tips:
You can use this expression when you feel a statement or argument doesn’t seem to connect with its foundation.
7. It’s beyond me.
Scenario:
Rebecca was trying to figure out the instructions for a new software program but couldn’t understand how to set it up. “This is beyond me,” she admitted, looking at her computer screen.
Explanation:
When something is “beyond me,” it means that it’s too complicated for you to understand. It’s an informal expression that’s suitable for casual conversations.
Additional Tips:
Use this phrase when you’re speaking about something particularly complicated that you cannot comprehend.
8. I’m not sure I follow.
Scenario:
During a meeting, Steve was explaining his ideas on a new strategy, but Angela wasn’t able to keep up. “Sorry, Steve, I’m not sure I follow,” she said, asking for clarification.
Explanation:
This expression is polite and often used in professional settings to request clarification without implying that the speaker is wrong or unclear.
Additional Tips:
It’s useful when you want to show respect while indicating that you need more information to understand.
9. It’s confusing.
Scenario:
Ben was reading the new user manual for a smartphone, and he couldn’t understand the steps to set it up. “This guide is confusing,” he said aloud.
Explanation:
Simple and to the point, “confusing” is a direct way to express that something is hard to comprehend.
Additional Tips:
This phrase is versatile and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
10. It doesn’t seem right.
Scenario:
Samantha was reviewing her colleague’s report, and something didn’t add up. “This doesn’t seem right. There’s something off with these statistics,” she noted.
Explanation:
This phrase expresses doubt or skepticism. It’s useful when you’re not sure if something is correct or logical, and it works well in most settings.
Additional Tips:
It’s a more polite way to express confusion without being overly direct or confrontational.
11. It’s unclear to me.
Scenario:
Lisa was trying to understand the terms of a contract, but parts of it seemed ambiguous. “The conditions are unclear to me,” she remarked to her lawyer.
Explanation:
A more formal way of expressing confusion, perfect for business or legal conversations where clarity is critical.
Additional Tips:
This phrase conveys that you’re seeking better understanding, and it works well when addressing a professional or formal context.
12. It’s baffling.
Scenario:
Mark looked at the team’s presentation and said, “The results are baffling. I can’t understand how this outcome was achieved.”
Explanation:
“Baffling” suggests confusion caused by something unexpected or difficult to understand. It’s slightly stronger than “confusing,” often used to express a deeper level of confusion.
Additional Tips:
This phrase is excellent when you want to emphasize that something is particularly perplexing or difficult to grasp.
13. It’s hard to grasp.
Scenario:
Jessica was explaining a complex concept about data analysis to her team. After a few minutes, Tom said, “This is hard to grasp; can you break it down into simpler steps?”
Explanation:
This expression implies that something is difficult to understand or comprehend, particularly when the information is complex. It is ideal for casual or formal conversations where the speaker needs clarification.
Additional Tips:
Use this phrase when you’re genuinely struggling to understand a topic and want the speaker to simplify or clarify the information.
14. It doesn’t seem logical.
Scenario:
David reviewed the proposal his colleague sent and wasn’t convinced. “This suggestion doesn’t seem logical,” he said, pointing out the flaws in the plan.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests that something lacks reason or doesn’t align with common sense. It’s a formal way of expressing confusion, typically used in professional settings when evaluating a plan or argument.
Additional Tips:
Use this when you feel that a particular argument or idea doesn’t follow a logical progression and may need reconsideration.
15. It’s hard to make sense of.
Scenario:
Anna was trying to decode the results from an experiment, but the data seemed off. “This is hard to make sense of,” she remarked, feeling frustrated with the confusing results.
Explanation:
This phrase implies difficulty in understanding or interpreting something. It’s versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Additional Tips:
It’s effective when you’re dealing with complex or jumbled information and need to indicate that it’s hard to make sense of the situation.
16. It’s not adding up.
Scenario:
In a meeting, Sarah was listening to a budget proposal. “The numbers aren’t adding up,” she said, noticing a few inconsistencies.
Explanation:
Often used in financial or numerical contexts, this phrase is perfect for when things don’t seem consistent or correct. It’s a bit more informal and commonly used in casual discussions.
Additional Tips:
If you’re dealing with calculations or statistics, this phrase can help express that something doesn’t align logically or mathematically.
17. It’s baffling to me.
Scenario:
Ben was looking at his friend’s explanation of the recent changes at work. “This whole situation is baffling to me,” he admitted, unable to follow the changes.
Explanation:
“Baffling” indicates a higher level of confusion, suggesting that something is perplexing or mystifying. It’s stronger than “confusing” and conveys that you’re struggling to comprehend the situation.
Additional Tips:
Use this phrase when you’re truly puzzled or unable to make any sense of the information presented.
18. I can’t wrap my head around it.
Scenario:
John was trying to understand the new project’s details, but after several attempts, he couldn’t make sense of it. “I just can’t wrap my head around it,” he confessed.
Explanation:
This phrase implies that you’re unable to fully understand or comprehend something, often because it is complex or intricate. It’s casual and often used in informal conversations.
Additional Tips:
This is a great expression when you feel overwhelmed by information or when you need more time to process what’s being discussed.
19. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle.
Scenario:
Rebecca was reading a technical manual, and it felt like she was solving a difficult puzzle. “This is like trying to solve a puzzle,” she said to her colleague, hoping for a simpler explanation.
Explanation:
This phrase highlights that understanding the information feels as complicated as putting together a challenging puzzle. It’s informal and useful for situations where clarity is needed but is hard to achieve.
Additional Tips:
Use this when you’re dealing with something that’s unnecessarily complicated or confusing, and you want to express frustration about the complexity.
20. It doesn’t add up logically.
Scenario:
Mark and his team were reviewing the new project timeline, but he noticed something odd. “The timeline doesn’t add up logically,” he said, pointing out the flaws in the schedule.
Explanation:
This expression conveys that something doesn’t make sense when considered logically or critically. It’s a formal way to express confusion, often used in business or analytical discussions.
Additional Tips:
Use it when evaluating a process, timeline, or plan that seems flawed or inconsistent with expectations or reasoning.
21. It doesn’t seem to fit.
Scenario:
Tom was reviewing the company’s marketing strategy and found that some parts didn’t align. “This new plan doesn’t seem to fit with the direction we were taking,” he told his manager.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests that something feels out of place or inconsistent with the overall context. It’s versatile and works well in both professional and casual conversations.
Additional Tips:
Use this when something seems out of place, whether it’s an idea, plan, or statement that doesn’t align with the rest of the context.
22. I can’t make head or tail of it.
Scenario:
Alice was reading the user manual for her new gadget, but the instructions were unclear. “I can’t make head or tail of it,” she exclaimed, frustrated by the lack of clarity.
Explanation:
This informal phrase means that you can’t understand something at all. It’s often used when trying to make sense of something very confusing or disorganized.
Additional Tips:
Use this phrase when something is so confusing that you can’t figure out any clear meaning from it.
23. It’s too complicated.
Scenario:
While trying to set up a new software program, Rachel found herself lost in the settings. “This process is too complicated,” she sighed, asking for help from a colleague.
Explanation:
This simple expression works well when you’re dealing with something that has too many components or steps, making it difficult to understand or complete.
Additional Tips:
Use this when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the complexity of a task or concept.
24. It doesn’t hold up.
Scenario:
Jake was reviewing his friend’s argument about a recent event. “Your point doesn’t hold up under scrutiny,” Jake said, pointing out the flaws in his logic.
Explanation:
This phrase is often used when something falls apart upon further examination or questioning. It’s typically used in more formal settings, like debates or professional discussions.
Additional Tips:
This expression can help you express doubt about an idea, argument, or proposal, especially when it fails to stand up to further analysis.
25. It’s not clear.
Scenario:
Jessica was looking at her colleague’s report but couldn’t follow the analysis. “Your explanation is not clear,” she said politely, asking for further clarification.
Explanation:
This phrase is neutral and polite, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts when something is hard to understand.
Additional Tips:
This is a polite way to ask for further clarification without implying that the other person was wrong or unclear on purpose.
26. I don’t quite understand.
Scenario:
During a meeting, Sarah couldn’t fully grasp the details of a new process. “I don’t quite understand how this will work,” she asked, looking for more details.
Explanation:
This phrase is a polite and somewhat formal way to express confusion. It’s a great choice when you need clarification but don’t want to sound overly critical.
Additional Tips:
Use this when you’re politely admitting that you need more information or a clearer explanation.
27. It’s unclear to me.
Scenario:
While reviewing a presentation, Daniel said, “The point you’re making is unclear to me,” requesting a bit more clarity on the topic.
Explanation:
This is a formal expression that can be used to indicate that something is hard to understand, particularly in professional discussions or presentations.
Additional Tips:
This phrase is helpful when you want to express confusion in a way that still sounds professional and respectful.
28. It’s not making sense.
Scenario:
Samantha was following her colleague’s explanation, but parts of it just didn’t seem right. “I’m sorry, but it’s not making sense,” she said, asking for clarification.
Explanation:
This is a direct and neutral way to express confusion, suitable for both casual and professional settings.
Additional Tips:
It’s a simple phrase that works when you need to express confusion without using overly formal language.
29. It’s not clear-cut.
Scenario:
During a strategic planning session, Chris noted, “The proposal isn’t clear-cut; there are too many variables to consider,” offering his perspective on the uncertainty.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests that the information or situation is not straightforward or easily understood. It’s especially useful in professional or academic settings.
Additional Tips:
Use this when dealing with complex issues or situations that don’t have an obvious solution or understanding.
30. It doesn’t seem right.
Scenario:
Katie looked at the sales forecast and thought something was off. “This prediction doesn’t seem right,” she said to her colleague, suggesting they double-check the numbers.
Explanation:
A general expression to convey doubt or confusion about something not aligning with expectations. It’s neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations.
Additional Tips:
This phrase works well when you suspect something may be wrong but aren’t yet certain what’s causing the issue.
31. It doesn’t seem to add up.
Scenario:
Linda was going through the project’s budget report, but she noticed some discrepancies. “This doesn’t seem to add up,” she said, asking for clarification on the numbers.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you believe that the information provided doesn’t align with expectations, similar to “it doesn’t add up.” It’s often used when dealing with numerical data, inconsistencies, or when something doesn’t logically follow.
Additional Tips:
It’s best used when you’re dealing with factual or numerical discrepancies and want to politely point out inconsistencies without sounding too critical.
32. It seems out of place.
Scenario:
During a company meeting, Jennifer noticed that some of the suggestions made were irrelevant to the main topic. “That idea seems out of place,” she remarked, shifting the focus back to the topic at hand.
Explanation:
This phrase indicates that something feels disconnected or unrelated to the situation. It works well when an idea, statement, or action doesn’t fit the context of the discussion.
Additional Tips:
Use this phrase when something doesn’t seem appropriate or fitting for the conversation or context, helping to redirect the discussion.
33. It doesn’t seem plausible.
Scenario:
After hearing Mark’s explanation of how the event unfolded, Rachel said, “It doesn’t seem plausible that the system failed that quickly,” expressing doubt about the scenario.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests that something is unlikely or difficult to believe. It’s often used when something seems far-fetched or hard to accept as truth.
Additional Tips:
Use this expression to communicate doubt about an explanation or scenario that doesn’t seem realistic or credible.
34. It’s not making much sense.
Scenario:
Tom was explaining the new system at work, but Susan didn’t quite understand. “It’s not making much sense to me right now,” she admitted, asking for a more detailed explanation.
Explanation:
This phrase is another variation of expressing confusion. It’s less intense than saying something doesn’t make sense but still conveys that you are struggling to understand.
Additional Tips:
This phrase is useful when you’re not entirely confused but need further clarification to fully grasp the information being discussed.
35. It doesn’t seem reasonable.
Scenario:
David was reviewing a team proposal when he said, “The timeline doesn’t seem reasonable given the resources we have,” pointing out the issue with the expectations set.
Explanation:
This phrase communicates that something is unlikely to be practical or achievable. It’s particularly useful in work environments when discussing plans, deadlines, or proposals.
Additional Tips:
Use this expression when an idea or plan doesn’t seem logically feasible or realistic based on the available resources or circumstances.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatility: These alternative phrases can be used in both casual and professional settings, offering flexibility.
- Clear Communication: By varying your expressions, you avoid sounding repetitive and enhance the clarity of your message.
- Professional Tone: Many of these phrases offer a more formal or respectful way to express confusion, which is useful in workplace communication.
Cons:
- Context Sensitivity: Some phrases might not be suitable for all audiences, particularly in highly formal situations.
- Potential Overuse: Relying too heavily on these expressions could make you sound less confident if not used appropriately.
Conclusion
By mastering alternative ways to say “doesn’t make sense,” you’ll be able to communicate confusion, doubt, or disbelief in a manner that is both clear and nuanced. These 35 phrases offer you a variety of options to express yourself effectively in various settings, when you’re in a casual chat or a professional debate.
The key is using the right phrase for the situation and ensuring your tone reflects the appropriate level of concern or confusion.
I’m Jane Austen, a language expert at Minglishs, dedicated to helping learners master English through engaging and accessible content. My passion for literature and teaching drives me to make language learning both enjoyable and effective.
