Cool MateSounds about right vs That makes sense
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Sounds about right
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That makes sense
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: That makes senseMost common: Sounds about right
| Sounds about right | That makes sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //saʊndz əˈbaʊt raɪt//🇺🇸 //saʊndz əˈbaʊt raɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt meɪks sEns//🇺🇸 //ðæt meɪks sEns// |
| Meaning | This seems correct or true. | That is understandable. |
| Example | When he explained his plan, I thought it really *sounds about right*. | After you explained your reasoning, I thought, 'That makes sense.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | sounds about right, it sounds about right, that sounds about right | makes sense of something, it makes perfect sense, makes sense to me |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal presentation., Confusing it with 'sounds right about' (incorrect order). | 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 | Used in casual conversations to agree with someone's statement; avoid in 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: Sounds about right vs That makes sense
What's the difference between Sounds about right and That makes sense?
Sounds about right: This seems correct or true. That makes sense: That is understandable.
Which is more formal: Sounds about right and That makes sense?
That makes sense is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Sounds about right and That makes sense?
Sounds about right is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Sounds about right: When he explained his plan, I thought it really *sounds about right*. That makes sense: After you explained your reasoning, I thought, 'That makes sense.'
Can I use Sounds about right and That makes sense interchangeably?
Not always. Sounds about right 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.