You want to know the best ways to show someone you understand something formally, right?
However, you’re worried that “makes sense” might be informal or insincere.
Luckily, we’re here to help you with this problem!
This article will explain how to say “makes sense” formally to ensure you use the right tone.
Is It Formal to Say “Makes Sense”?
It is not formal to say “makes sense.” The phrase is unprofessional, so it’s best to avoid using it in most email contexts.
With that said, it’s still correct. Also, it’s not rude.
Instead, it’s just a simplistic and direct way to tell a friend you understand something.
You might want to review this message sample to learn more about it:
Well, that makes sense. I’m glad we were able to figure out a way for us to move forward with this.
Pros
- It’s a direct way to tell someone you understand what they’re saying.
- It’s often quite useful in friendly and informal situations.
Cons
- It’s too informal to work in email formats.
- It’s a bit generic, and sometimes it seems like you’re just agreeing to something without fully understanding it.
Of course, it might not be wise to use “makes sense” formally. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options! It’s now time to explore some synonyms to see what else works.
Keep reading to learn how to say “makes sense” in an email. We’ve compiled a fantastic list to give you a better understanding of what you can use.
What to Say Instead of “Makes Sense”
- It is logical
- That’s understandable
- I’m following you
- The reasoning is sound
- It is rational
- The argument is compelling
- It follows a clear logic
- It aligns with reason
- It’s a sensible idea
1. It Is Logical
You can start by saying “it is logical” instead of “makes sense.” After all, it doesn’t get more professional than that.
This is a logical and clear phrase that shows the reader you know what they’re talking about.
It’s an effective way to show that something makes sense to you and that you need no further explanation.
So, you might want to use this when writing to an employee.
It’s direct and sincere, showing that you understand what they’ve said to you. Therefore, they won’t need to explain anything else.
You can also review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Michael,
It is logical, and I appreciate that you’ve looked into this.
Please let me know if you discover any further developments.
All the best,
Jackson Pollos
2. That’s Understandable
Try mixing things up by using “that’s understandable” as another way to say “makes sense.”
When you want to show that it makes sense, this is a simple way to go about it.
After all, it’s clear and direct. It shows that you understand something in a respectful manner, which works wonders in most formal emails.
You can try including this when writing to your boss. It lets them know that you understand what they’re telling you, and you’ll be happy to work on it.
Feel free to review this email sample if you still need help:
Dear Ms. Cassey,
That’s understandable to me.
I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help accelerate this process.
Yours,
Trudy Myers
3. I’m Following You
It’s also good to use “I’m following you” instead of “that makes sense” in slightly more friendly contexts.
Now, you can still use this in formal situations. It’s useful in a business email to coworkers, so don’t worry about that!
The phrase itself just helps to make things seem a bit less forced and professional. That’s why we think it’s better to use it when you already have a good relationship with the recipient.
The closer you are to them, the easier it’ll be to include something like this in an email.
Also, it’s worth reviewing this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Ailee,
I’m following you.
These points make a lot of sense, and I’m sure the boss will be happy to hear them.
Yours,
Taylor Stannard
4. The Reasoning Is Sound
If you’re still wondering how to say “makes sense” professionally, you may want to try “the reasoning is sound.”
After all, this phrase is direct and respectful. So, you really can’t go wrong with it when contacting someone you trust.
It can work well when an employee explains something well. It shows that you were hesitant to agree with something, but they’ve since explained it in a way that works better for you.
You can also review this email example to learn more about it:
Dear Michael,
The reasoning is sound.
You raised some valid points, so I’ll take them to my superiors to see what they say.
All the best,
Evie Burton
5. It Is Rational
For a more professional way to say “makes sense,” you should write “it is rational.”
This is a clear and direct way to let someone know you understand them.
Some might argue that this phrase seems a bit robotic in emails. However, it works well when you don’t know the recipient all that well but you understand what they’ve told you.
It can work well when contacting a new client. It’s an excellent way to slowly start to develop a more professional bond with them.
Feel free to review this example if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Door,
It is rational, and I’m glad you explained it in that way.
I hope we can work together on this as we continue forward.
All the best,
Ruth Merry
6. The Argument Is Compelling
You can also include “the argument is compelling” when someone explains something well.
This is an honest and clear way to show that something makes sense to you.
It’s especially effective if you were hesitant to accept something as true as well.
For example, you can use this when replying to a student. If they thought of a new idea that might work in college, but you didn’t initially agree, you could later use a phrase like this.
After all, if that same student reaches out to explain their reasoning, and you think it makes sense, that might “compel” you.
Therefore, this is a respectful and formal choice that shows you understand someone more than you thought you would.
If you still don’t get it, you can review this example:
Dear Josie,
The argument is compelling.
I can’t deny that you made a great point, and I understand why you want this now.
Best wishes,
Sean Spicer
7. It Follows a Clear Logic
You could also say something like “it follows a clear logic” when someone offers you an explanation.
Of course, this phrase works best when you don’t understand someone at first. So, if they manage to explain something in a positive and effective way, you can write this.
Saying something follows a clear logic suggests that you can’t fault the argument. There are no errors with it, so you completely agree with what someone is saying.
You might want to use this when replying to an employee.
It’s respectful and genuine, showing them that you trust what they’re saying and can understand why they’re saying it.
For the most part, this is an excellent way to improve employee morale.
You can also review this example if you need more help understanding it:
Dear Alexia,
I like what you’ve said here because it follows a clear logic.
I didn’t understand your points at first, but I’m glad we managed to figure them out.
Yours,
Harry Swift
8. It Aligns With Reason
Another professional way to say “makes sense” is “it aligns with reason.”
This works best when you realize that someone’s explanation of something is reasonable and fair.
So, you might want to use it when replying to your business partner.
It shows that you’ve evaluated the things they’ve said and understand what they’re writing. It’s positive and respectful, which goes a long way when improving working relationships.
After all, the recipient will be happy to receive something like this from you, showing they are making sense.
Here’s a helpful example to give you a better idea about it:
Dear Ms. Russell,
It aligns with reason, so I’m glad you shared this with me.
I think it’ll be worth us pursuing this to see what else we can learn.
All the best,
Joey Swans
9. It’s a Sensible Idea
Finally, we want you to try using “it’s a sensible idea” over “makes sense.”
After all, this phrase works well in formal emails. It’s direct and honest, showing that you understand what someone has told you.
It works well when writing to a coworker. After all, suggesting that their idea is “sensible” is a great way to get them on your side when you need them to work with you.
You can also review the following example to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Katie,
It’s a sensible idea.
I think you should continue working with this to see what you make of it.
Best wishes,
Sean Robinson