25 Other Ways to Say “Doesn’t Make Sense”
Sometimes we encounter ideas or statements that are difficult to understand or logically flawed. Here are 25 alternative ways to express that something doesn’t make sense, ranging from formal to casual, and from gentle to direct.
Conveying Confusion
That’s puzzling…
- Example: “The data from the recent experiment is rather puzzling; we need to review our approach.”
- Explanation: Conveys that the information or situation is confusing without directly stating it’s nonsensical.
I’m perplexed by this…
- Example: “I’m perplexed by this conclusion; it contradicts our initial hypothesis.”
- Explanation: Indicates that the speaker is baffled and finds something difficult to understand.
It’s quite baffling…
- Example: “The decision to reduce marketing efforts at this stage is quite baffling.”
- Explanation: Expresses a sense of bewilderment regarding a particular decision or statement.
Signaling Logical Fallacies
That defies logic…
- Example: “The notion that increasing prices will attract more customers simply defies logic.”
- Explanation: Suggests that the idea or statement is illogical.
It’s logically inconsistent…
- Example: “Your argument about sales is interesting, but it’s logically inconsistent.”
- Explanation: Pointing out that there are elements that logically conflict with one another in the reasoning provided.
There’s no rhyme or reason to it…
- Example: “The traffic patterns in the city center have no rhyme or reason to them at all.”
- Explanation: An idiom that describes something as being random or not following any clear pattern or reason.
Expressing Skepticism
That’s hard to believe…
- Example: “Their explanation for the delay is hard to believe considering the evidence.”
- Explanation: Indicates doubt and skepticism about the plausibility of an explanation.
I’m dubious about that…
- Example: “I must say, I’m rather dubious about the effectiveness of the proposed solution.”
- Explanation: Shows suspicion or doubt regarding the sensibility of a solution or idea.
That’s questionable…
- Example: “The methodology used in this study is questionable at best.”
- Explanation: Implies that there are doubts regarding the appropriateness or validity of a method or assertion.
Suggesting a Lack of Understanding
I’m failing to grasp the logic…
- Example: “I’m failing to grasp the logic of his argument; can you elucidate?”
- Explanation: Admits trouble comprehending the rationale behind something, suggesting it may be nonsensical.
It’s beyond my comprehension…
- Example: “The sculpture’s abstract nature is beyond my comprehension.”
- Explanation: Communicates that the speaker does not understand, possibly due to the perceived absurdity of the subject.
I don’t follow the reasoning…
- Example: “I’ve listened to the theory multiple times, but I don’t follow the reasoning behind it.”
- Explanation: Indicates that the speaker cannot see any logical progression or connection in the ideas expressed.
Asserting Disagreement
That doesn’t add up…
- Example: “The accounts for this quarter just don’t add up; we must be missing some transactions.”
- Explanation: Implies that something isn’t consistent with the expected outcome and therefore doesn’t make sense.
That’s far-fetched…
- Example: “Your claim that the new product will triple our sales in a month is far-fetched.”
- Explanation: Asserts that an idea or claim is not just unlikely, but too implausible to be taken seriously.
The conclusion is unwarranted…
- Example: “Based on the evidence provided, I believe the conclusion is unwarranted.”
- Explanation: Suggests that a claim is unjustified based on the information available.
Politely Challenging Ideas
That’s an interesting take; however, it conflicts with the facts…
- Example: “That’s an interesting take; however, it seems to conflict with the facts we have.”
- Explanation: A diplomatic way to oppose a view by mentioning its contrast with accepted evidence.
I beg to differ on that point…
- Example: “I beg to differ on that point; the historical data we have doesn’t support such a stance.”
- Explanation: A polite and formal way of stating disagreement with an idea or opinion.
Could you clarify what you mean?
- Example: “The proposal you’ve put forward is a bit unclear. Could you clarify what you mean?”
- Explanation: Requests further explanation in the hope of understanding a potentially nonsensical statement.
Using Euphemisms
That’s a head-scratcher…
- Example: “The way these figures are presented is a real head-scratcher.”
- Explanation: A colloquial and light-hearted way to indicate that something is confusing or nonsensical.
It doesn’t quite resonate with me…
- Example: “The strategy outlined doesn’t quite resonate with me; I think we might be overlooking key factors.”
- Explanation: Indicates a lack of alignment or agreement with an idea, gently suggesting it doesn’t make sense.
I can’t seem to make heads or tails of it…
- Example: “I’ve looked over this report several times, but I can’t seem to make heads or tails of it.”
- Explanation: An idiom expressing confusion and inability to understand or make sense of something.
Highlighting the Absurd
This seems off the mark…
- Example: “The predictions in this report seem off the mark when compared to industry standards.”
- Explanation: Indicates that something is incorrect without making direct accusations of nonsense.
It’s a stretch to say…
- Example: “It’s a stretch to say that the new policy alone caused such a dramatic increase in profits.”
- Explanation: Suggests that a purported cause-and-effect relationship is unlikely or exaggerated.
I’m not convinced this connects…
- Example: “I’m not convinced this connects with the overarching goals of our project.”
- Explanation: Expresses doubt about the relevance or logic of associating two elements or ideas.
By using these alternative phrases, you can communicate that something seems illogical or hard to understand, while varying the strength of your language to suit the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
