Cool MateThat explains it vs That makes sense
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That explains it
Top 2,000 (common)
That makes sense
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: That explains it
| That explains it | That makes sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ɪkˈspleɪnz ɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæt ɪkˈspleɪnz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt meɪks sEns//🇺🇸 //ðæt meɪks sEns// |
| Meaning | This phrase helps to understand something better. | That is understandable. |
| Example | I couldn't figure out the math problem, but the teacher's explanation really helps. That explains it! | After you explained your reasoning, I thought, 'That makes sense.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | that explains why, that explains everything, that explains so much | makes sense of something, it makes perfect sense, makes sense to me |
| Common mistakes | Using 'that explain it' instead of 'that explains it'., Saying 'that explains me' instead of 'that explains it'. | Using it when someone is explaining something illogical., Misusing it when agreeing but not fully understanding., Overusing in formal contexts where clearer communication is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use in conversation when something becomes clear. It's suitable for casual or formal discussions, but avoid in very formal writing. | Used in conversations to confirm understanding or agreement. Generally informal but acceptable in professional settings. Avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: That explains it vs That makes sense
What's the difference between That explains it and That makes sense?
That explains it: This phrase helps to understand something better. That makes sense: That is understandable.
Which is more common: That explains it and That makes sense?
That explains it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That explains it: I couldn't figure out the math problem, but the teacher's explanation really helps. That explains it! That makes sense: After you explained your reasoning, I thought, 'That makes sense.'
Can I use That explains it and That makes sense interchangeably?
Not always. That explains it and That makes sense are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.