Checking Understanding: “Does That Make Sense?” Explained

Effective communication is a two-way street. Simply conveying information isn’t enough; ensuring that your audience truly understands what you’ve said is crucial.

The phrase “Does that make sense?” and its many variations are essential tools for confirming comprehension. This article explores the grammar, usage, and nuances of this common phrase, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, business professional, or simply someone who wants to communicate more effectively, mastering the art of checking for understanding will significantly enhance your interactions.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition and Core Meaning
• Structural Breakdown of the Question
• Variations and Alternatives
• Examples in Different Contexts
• Usage Rules and Considerations
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition and Core Meaning

The phrase “Does that make sense?” is a question used to confirm whether the listener or reader has understood the information presented. It’s a common way to solicit feedback and ensure that communication is clear and effective.

The core meaning revolves around assessing comprehension: has the recipient grasped the intended message?

The phrase functions as a tag question, although it doesn’t strictly adhere to the grammatical rules of tag questions. Tag questions typically invert the auxiliary verb and subject of the main clause (e.g., “It’s raining, isn’t it?”).

“Does that make sense?” doesn’t follow this pattern but serves a similar purpose: to encourage a response and confirm understanding.

The context in which the question is used is incredibly important. It can be employed after explaining a complex concept, giving instructions, or presenting an argument.

The tone can range from genuinely seeking clarification to subtly implying that the listener *should* understand, depending on the speaker’s intention and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

Structural Breakdown of the Question

The question “Does that make sense?” can be broken down into its constituent parts to understand its grammatical structure:

• Auxiliary Verb: “Does” – This is the auxiliary verb, specifically the third-person singular form of “do,” used to form questions in the present simple tense.
• Subject: “that” – This pronoun refers to the preceding statement, explanation, or information. It acts as the subject of the verb “make.”
• Verb: “make” – This is the main verb in the infinitive form (“to make”), indicating the action of creating understanding.
• Object: “sense” – This noun serves as the object of the verb “make,” meaning logical coherence or intelligibility.

Therefore, the question literally asks: “Does the preceding information create understanding or logical coherence?” The grammatical structure is relatively simple, making it easily understandable even for non-native speakers.

The use of the present simple tense implies a general inquiry about the current state of understanding. It’s not asking if the information *will* make sense in the future, but whether it *currently* does.

Variations and Alternatives

Many variations and alternatives to “Does that make sense?” can be used to check for understanding. The choice of phrase often depends on the context, the relationship between the speaker and listener, and the desired level of formality.

Common Variations

• “Does that make sense to you?” – Adds a personal element, focusing on the listener’s individual understanding.
• “Is that clear?” – A more direct and potentially less polite way of asking the same question.
• “Are you following me?” – Checks if the listener is keeping up with the speaker’s train of thought.
• “Do you understand?” – A simple and straightforward question, but can sometimes sound demanding.
• “Got it?” – An informal and concise version, suitable for casual conversations.
• “Any questions?” – Opens the floor for specific queries and encourages active participation.
• “So far, so good?” – Checks for understanding at a specific point in a longer explanation.
• “Make sense?” – A very informal and abbreviated version.

More Formal Alternatives

• “Are there any aspects that require further clarification?” – A formal and polite way to invite questions.
• “Would you like me to elaborate on any point?” – Offers to provide more detail if needed.
• “I trust that is clear.” – A more assertive statement implying that the speaker believes the information is understandable.

Alternatives Focused on Confirmation

• “Can you explain that back to me?” – Asks the listener to demonstrate their understanding by summarizing the information.
• “What are your thoughts on that?” – Encourages the listener to process and internalize the information.

Examples in Different Contexts

The phrase “Does that make sense?” and its variants can be used in a wide range of contexts. Here are some examples categorized by situation:

Academic Settings

In academic settings, instructors often use these phrases to gauge student comprehension during lectures or tutorials. The following table provides examples of how this might be used.

Context	Example
Explaining a complex mathematical formula	“So, we apply the quadratic equation here to solve for x. Does that make sense to everyone?”
Discussing a historical event	“The Treaty of Versailles had significant consequences for Germany. Are you following me so far?”
Teaching a grammar rule	“We use the past perfect tense to describe an action completed before another action in the past. Do you understand?”
Reviewing a scientific concept	“Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Is that clear?”
Presenting a literary analysis	“The symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ is quite complex. Any questions about the green light metaphor?”
Giving instructions for an assignment	“For this essay, you’ll need to analyze three primary sources. Does that make sense to you?”
Explaining a coding concept	“This function iterates through the array and returns the largest value. Got it?”
Discussing a philosophical concept	“Therefore, according to Kant, morality is based on reason. Make sense?”
Reviewing lab procedures	“First, you’ll need to calibrate the equipment. So far, so good?”
Explaining a research methodology	“We’re using a mixed-methods approach for this study. Are there any aspects that require further clarification?”
After a long lecture	“That was a lot of information. Would you like me to elaborate on any point?”
During a small group discussion	“So, what are your thoughts on the implications of this theory?”
After demonstrating a skill	“Now, can you explain that back to me in your own words?”
Before a test	“Any lingering questions before we begin the exam?”
Clarifying a point after a question	“Okay, I’ve tried to explain it a different way, does that make sense now?”
Concluding a segment of a lesson	“Alright, we’ve covered the basics of the cell structure, is that all clear?”
After showing a video	“The video showed a complex process. Is everything understood, or should we review parts?”
When introducing a new topic	“We’re going to dive into quantum physics. Does everyone have some background in basic physics?”
When relating to previous lessons	“Remember what we learned about thermodynamics? This builds on that. Is everyone on the same page?”
After a student asks a question	“So, after that explanation, does the concept of entropy make more sense?”
After a recap	“We’ve gone over the key concepts again. Make sense?”
Before moving on	“Before we go any further, any questions?”
When simplifying a concept	“In simpler terms, it’s like this… Is that clearer?”
After making a comparison	“So, it’s similar to X but different in Y. Do you understand the difference?”
When summarizing key points	“Okay, we’ve covered the main points. Is that clear to everyone?”
Before an activity	“Now you’re going to try it yourself. Is everyone confident in the method?”
After a demonstration	“Now that you’ve seen it done, any questions?”
Checking for prior knowledge	“Before we start, is everyone familiar with this term?”

Professional Settings

In professional environments, these phrases are crucial for ensuring that team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and project goals. The following table provides examples of how this might be used.

Context	Example
Assigning a task to an employee	“I need you to complete this report by Friday. Does that make sense to you?”
Explaining a new company policy	“The new policy on remote work is outlined in this document. Are you following me?”
Giving instructions for a project	“The first step is to gather all the necessary data. Is that clear?”
Presenting a marketing strategy	“Our target audience is millennials aged 25-35. Do you understand the rationale?”
Conducting a training session	“The software update will be rolled out next month. Got it?”
Discussing project timelines	“The deadline for the first phase is two weeks from today. Any questions?”
Explaining technical specifications	“The API integration requires specific authentication protocols. So far, so good?”
Delivering a presentation	“These are the key performance indicators we’ll be tracking. Make sense?”
Conducting a performance review	“Your performance has been excellent in the last quarter. Are there any aspects that require further clarification?”
Giving feedback on a project	“Your report was well-researched, but the conclusion could be stronger. Would you like me to elaborate?”
After a team meeting	“So, what are your thoughts on the proposed changes to the workflow?”
When training a new employee	“Can you explain the process back to me after I show you?”
When clarifying expectations	“Do you understand what the expectations are for this role?”
During a conference call	“Before we move on, does everyone understand the new strategy?”
When explaining a complex system	“Now, is that process clear?”
After delegating a task	“So, you’re going to handle the marketing campaign. Does that sound right?”
When discussing a problem	“Does that solution make sense in your estimation?”
When introducing a new software	“Is everyone acquainted with this software?”
When simplifying a process	“In simpler terms, it means this. Does that make sense?”
When highlighting key points	“So, the most important thing is X. Is that clear?”
After a recap	“We’ve gone over all the key information. Make sense?”
Before starting a task	“So, before you begin, any questions?”
When assigning responsibilities	“You’re responsible for X, and you’re responsible for Y. Does that sound good?”
When comparing strategies	“It’s similar to X, but different in Y. Do you understand the difference?”
When presenting data	“So, this data shows a trend of X. Is that clear?”
When setting goals	“Our goal is to increase sales by 10%. Does that seem achievable?”
When explaining the rationale	“The reasoning behind this decision is X. Is that understandable?”

Informal Conversations

In everyday conversations, these phrases can be used to ensure that your message is being received as intended. The following table provides examples of how this might be used.

Context	Example
Giving directions	“Turn left at the next corner, then go straight for two blocks. Does that make sense?”
Explaining a personal story	“So, then I ran into my ex at the grocery store. Are you following me?”
Making plans with a friend	“Let’s meet at the coffee shop at 3 pm. Is that clear?”
Sharing a joke	“The chicken crossed the road to get to the other side… Got it?”
Discussing a movie plot	“The twist ending revealed that he was a ghost all along. Any questions?”
Explaining a recipe	“Add a pinch of salt and then stir in the flour. So far, so good?”
Talking about a news event	“The government just announced a new tax policy. Make sense?”
Expressing an opinion	“I think that’s a terrible idea. Are there any aspects that require further clarification?”
Offering advice	“You should try meditating to reduce stress. Would you like me to elaborate?”
Explaining a complex relationship	“So, he’s my cousin’s best friend’s brother. What are your thoughts?”
Describing how something works	“Here’s how you use the remote. Can you explain it back to me?”
Assuring someone of your intentions	“I’m only trying to help. Do you understand that?”
Explaining a complex situation	“So, I lost my keys, and then the car wouldn’t start. Is that all clear?”
Sharing a personal experience	“Then the bear started walking toward me. Can you imagine?”
When agreeing on something	“So, we’re meeting on Friday at 7pm? Does that work?”
When clarifying what you meant	“What I meant was X. Does that make sense?”
When explaining a joke	“The joke is that X is a double entendre. Get it?”
When describing a dream	“Then I was falling, but also flying. It was so strange.”
When making a suggestion	“Why don’t we try this restaurant? Have you heard of it?”
When summarizing a conversation	“So, we’re going to do X, Y, and Z. Sound good?”
When asking for confirmation	“You’re coming, right?”
After a long story	“So, that’s what happened.”
When offering a solution	“How about we try this?”
When explaining a rule	“The rule is that you can’t do X. Is that clear?”
When making a compromise	“How about we meet halfway?”
When sharing an insider secret	“But keep it to yourself, okay?”
When expressing confusion	“Are you following me?”

Usage Rules and Considerations

While “Does that make sense?” is a versatile phrase, there are certain usage rules and considerations to keep in mind.

• Audience Awareness: Consider your audience when choosing a variation. More formal situations call for more formal language.
• Tone of Voice: Your tone of voice can significantly impact how the question is received. A friendly and approachable tone will encourage honest feedback. A condescending tone, on the other hand, can discourage questions and create a negative atmosphere.
• Pace Yourself: Give the listener time to process the information before asking the question. Rushing through an explanation and immediately asking “Does that make sense?” can be overwhelming.
• Encourage Questions: Make it clear that you genuinely welcome questions. This will create a safe space for the listener to admit if they don’t understand something.
• Follow-Up Questions: If the listener says they understand, consider asking follow-up questions to confirm their understanding. For example, “Can you give me an example?” or “Can you explain that in your own words?”
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that in some cultures, it may be considered impolite to admit a lack of understanding. In these cases, you may need to use more subtle methods to check for comprehension. Observe body language and look for other cues that may indicate confusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of checking for understanding. Here are a few to avoid:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Does that make sense?!” (said in an impatient tone)	“Does that make sense? Do you have any questions?” (said in a friendly tone)	The impatient tone can discourage questions and make the listener feel intimidated.
“You understand, right?”	“Do you understand? Is there anything I can clarify?”	The phrase “You understand, right?” is a leading question and may pressure the listener to agree even if they don’t fully understand.
(No follow-up after the listener says “yes”)	“Great! Can you give me an example of how this applies to your work?”	Failing to ask follow-up questions can lead to a false sense of understanding.
“It’s simple, does that make sense?”	“Does that make sense? Let me know if anything is unclear.”	Starting with “It’s simple” can be dismissive and discourage questions.
Asking “Does that make sense?” after every sentence.	Asking “Does that make sense?” after explaining a key concept or a series of related points.	Asking too frequently can be disruptive and annoying.
Not adjusting your explanation when someone doesn’t understand.	Rephrasing the information and using different examples when someone doesn’t understand.	It’s important to adapt your explanation to the listener’s needs.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of how to use “Does that make sense?” and its variations with these exercises:

Exercise 1: Identifying the Best Phrase

Choose the most appropriate phrase for checking understanding in each scenario. This exercise will help you discern the best choice of phrase for different situations.

Scenario	Options	Answer
Giving directions to a stranger	a) “Are you following me?” b) “Does that make sense?” c) “Got it?”	b) “Does that make sense?”
Explaining a complex financial concept to a colleague	a) “Make sense?” b) “Is that clear?” c) “Are there any aspects that require further clarification?”	c) “Are there any aspects that require further clarification?”
Giving a quick instruction to a friend	a) “Do you understand?” b) “Got it?” c) “Would you like me to elaborate?”	b) “Got it?”
Teaching a new skill to a trainee	a) “Any questions?” b) “You understand, right?” c) “What are your thoughts on that?”	a) “Any questions?”
Presenting a marketing strategy to a client	a) “So far, so good?” b) “Do you understand?” c) “Would you like me to elaborate on any point?”	c) “Would you like me to elaborate on any point?”
Explaining a recipe to your child	a) “Are you following me?” b) “Is that clear?” c) “Got it?”	b) “Is that clear?”
After a long lecture	a) “Make sense?” b) “Any questions?” c) “You understand, right?”	b) “Any questions?”
Explaining a technical concept to a non-technical person	a) “Are you following me?” b) “Does that make sense?” c) “You understand, right?”	b) “Does that make sense?”
Giving instructions for a group project	a) “Got it?” b) “Do you understand?” c) “Would you like me to explain that again?”	c) “Would you like me to explain that again?”
After explaining a complicated joke	a) “Get it?” b) “Are you following me?” c) “Do you understand?”	a) “Get it?”

Exercise 2: Rewriting for Clarity

Rewrite the following sentences to make them more effective at checking for understanding. This exercise will focus on improving clarity.

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
“It’s simple, you understand, right?”	“Does that make sense? Do you have any questions?”
“Are you following me or what?”	“Are you following me? Please let me know if anything is unclear.”
“You got that, right?”	“Got it? Can you summarize the main points for me?”
“Is that clear? Because it’s important.”	“Is that clear? It’s important, so please ask if anything is unclear.”
“So, you know what to do, right?”	“So, do you know what to do? Is there anything you’d like me to clarify?”
“Make sense, or am I wasting my time?”	“Does that make sense? I want to make sure I’m explaining it clearly.”
“Are you keeping up?”	“Are you keeping up? Is there anything you need me to revisit?”
“Everything is understood?”	“Is everything understood? Please feel free to ask any questions.”
“Do you know what I mean?”	“Does that make sense? Please let me know if you need more explanation.”
“It’s all clear, so we can move on?”	“Is it all clear? If so, we can move on, but please ask if anything is unclear.”

Exercise 3: Role-Playing

Practice using different phrases for checking understanding in various role-playing scenarios. These exercises will improve practical usage in different situations.

Scenario 1: You are a teacher explaining a difficult math problem to a student. The student looks confused.

Scenario 2: You are a manager delegating a task to an employee. You want to ensure they understand their responsibilities.

Scenario 3: You are giving directions to a tourist who is unfamiliar with the area. You want to make sure they don’t get lost.

Scenario 4: You are explaining a complicated plot of a movie to a friend. You want to make sure they are following the story.

Scenario 5: You are a software developer explaining a bug fix to a client. You want to ensure they understand the changes.

Possible answers

Scenario 1: “Does that make sense? Perhaps I can explain it another way.”

Scenario 2: “Do you understand what is expected of you?”

Scenario 3: “Are you following me?”

Scenario 4: “Are there any aspects of the story that you would like me to clarify?”

Scenario 5: “Does that make sense?”

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties

Beyond the basic usage, there are more nuanced aspects to consider when checking for understanding.

• Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These can often provide valuable insights into whether someone truly understands, even if they say they do.
• Cultural Differences: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles. In some cultures, direct questioning may be considered rude or confrontational. In these cases, it may be necessary to use more indirect methods of checking for understanding.
• Power Dynamics: Consider the power dynamics in the relationship. Someone in a subordinate position may be less likely to admit a lack of understanding, especially if they fear negative consequences.
• Framing the Question: The way you frame the question can influence the response. For example, asking “Do you have any questions?” is more open-ended and inviting than asking “Do you understand?”
• Active Listening: Practice active listening skills, such as paraphrasing and summarizing, to ensure that you are accurately understanding the other person’s perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to check for understanding?
   Checking for understanding ensures that communication is effective and prevents misunderstandings. It helps to avoid errors, improve collaboration, and build stronger relationships.
2. What are some alternatives to “Does that make sense?”
   Several alternatives exist, including “Is that clear?”, “Are you following me?”, “Do you understand?”, “Got it?”, “Any questions?”, and “So far, so good?”. The best choice depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and listener.
3. How can I make sure I’m not being condescending when checking for understanding?
   Use a friendly and approachable tone of voice, and frame the question in a way that invites feedback. Avoid using phrases like “It’s simple” or “You should understand this.”
4. What should I do if someone says they understand but I suspect they don’t?
   Ask follow-up questions to confirm their understanding. For example, “Can you give me an example?” or “Can you explain that in your own words?”
5. How often should I check for understanding?
   Check for understanding after explaining a key concept or a series of related points. Avoid asking after every sentence, as this can be disruptive and annoying.
6. What if someone is hesitant to admit they don’t understand?
   Create a safe space for them to admit their confusion. Emphasize that it’s okay to ask questions and that you’re happy to clarify anything that’s unclear.
7. How do I handle it when someone asks a question that indicates they weren’t paying attention?
   Answer the question patiently and without judgment. You can also gently redirect them to the relevant information by saying something like, “As I mentioned earlier…”
8. How can I improve my ability to explain things clearly in the first place?
   Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide plenty of examples. Organize your thoughts logically and break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable pieces.
9. Are there cultural differences in how people respond to questions like “Does that make sense?”
   Yes, in some cultures, it may be considered impolite to admit a lack of understanding. Be aware of these cultural differences and adjust your communication style accordingly.
10. What if I’m explaining something to a group of people?
    Observe the group’s body language and look for cues that may indicate confusion. You can also ask for a volunteer to summarize the main points to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
11. Is it better to ask open-ended or closed-ended questions when checking for understanding?
    Open-ended questions (e.g., “What are your thoughts on that?”) are generally more effective, as they encourage more detailed and thoughtful responses. However, closed-ended questions (e.g., “Do you understand?”) can be useful for quickly confirming basic comprehension.
12. How can I adapt my approach to checking for understanding when communicating online or in writing?
    Use clear and concise language, and provide plenty of visuals to illustrate your points. Ask for feedback and encourage questions. You can also use online tools such as polls and quizzes to assess comprehension.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of checking for understanding is crucial for effective communication. By using phrases like “Does that make sense?” and its variations, you can ensure that your message is being received as intended, prevent misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships.

Remember to be mindful of your audience, tone of voice, and cultural context. Encourage questions, follow up to confirm comprehension, and adapt your explanations as needed.

By incorporating these strategies into your communication style, you can become a more effective and engaging communicator.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to transmit information, but to foster genuine understanding. By actively seeking feedback and ensuring that your audience is truly grasping your message, you can create a more collaborative and productive environment.

So, the next time you’re explaining something, remember to pause and ask: “Does that make sense?” Your audience will thank you for it.