30 Other Ways to Say "Does That Make Sense"

When communicating with others, it’s important to express ourselves in a clear, thoughtful, and professional manner. Asking “Does that make sense?” is a common way to check for understanding, but sometimes it can feel a bit too casual or even unclear.

Whether you’re in a meeting, giving instructions, or clarifying a point, finding the right words to express care and consideration for the other person’s comprehension can make your communication feel more intentional and warm.

Below are 30 alternatives to “Does that make sense?”, with examples and explanations to help you communicate more effectively.

Table of Contents

What Does “Does That Make Sense” Mean?

“Does that make sense?” is a question typically used to check if someone understands what you are explaining or if your message is clear. It helps ensure that the listener is following along and has grasped the point being made. It can be used in both casual and formal settings, though there are more professional alternatives available for different situations.

When to Use “Does That Make Sense”?

The phrase “Does that make sense?” is often used after explaining something, to ensure that the other person understands what you are saying. However, in professional settings, it’s important to strike a balance between being approachable and maintaining clarity in your language. You can use this phrase in one-on-one discussions, team meetings, or after giving instructions, but when professionalism is key, alternative phrases might be more appropriate.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Does That Make Sense”?

While “Does that make sense?” is not inherently unprofessional, it can come off as too casual or vague in certain professional settings. Using alternative phrases can help you convey your message with more authority and clarity, while still being empathetic and respectful. Professional alternatives can help foster a more polished tone in your communication without losing warmth or care.

Complete List of Alternatives

Is That Clear?
Do You Follow?
Is That Understandable?
Does That Align With What You Expected?
Are We on the Same Page?
Is That Clear So Far?
Do You Need Any Clarification?
How Does That Sound?
Are You With Me So Far?
Is That What You Were Expecting?
Can I Clarify Anything?
Does That Make Sense to You?
Are There Any Questions?
Are You Following?
Does That Resonate With You?
Does That Make Sense in Context?
Can You Follow Along?
Is Everything Clear?
How Does That Sound to You?
Do You See What I Mean?
Are We in Agreement?
Is That the Clear Direction?
Do You Need Further Explanation?
Would You Like Me to Clarify Anything?
Does This Sound Clear?
Is This Making Sense?
Do You Have Any Concerns?
Would You Like a Recap?
Can I Help You With Anything?
Does This Make Sense Within the Bigger Picture?

1. “Is That Clear?”

Meaning: A straightforward question to confirm whether the listener has understood the explanation.

Example: “I’ve explained the plan for the next quarter. Is that clear?”

Explanation: This alternative asks for clarity in a concise way, allowing the listener to confirm their understanding.

Tone: Direct, clear.

2. “Do You Follow?”

Meaning: Used to ask if someone is keeping up with the explanation or instruction.

Example: “We’ll need to gather all the data by Friday. Do you follow?”

Explanation: This alternative checks whether the listener is following the explanation step by step.

Tone: Supportive, engaging.

3. “Is That Understandable?”

Meaning: A more formal way to ask if the information provided is easy to understand.

Example: “I’ve outlined the new workflow. Is that understandable?”

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the simplicity of the explanation and invites the listener to confirm their understanding.

Tone: Polite, professional.

4. “Does That Align With What You Expected?”

Meaning: Used when confirming whether the explanation matches the listener’s expectations.

Example: “We’ve decided to extend the deadline. Does that align with what you expected?”

Explanation: This variation adds a layer of context, checking if what has been communicated aligns with previous understanding or expectations.

Tone: Thoughtful, considerate.

5. “Are We on the Same Page?”

Meaning: A more conversational alternative asking if both people understand each other in the same way.

Example: “We’ve agreed on the budget. Are we on the same page?”

Explanation: This phrase helps confirm mutual understanding and agreement on a topic.

Tone: Collaborative, friendly.

6. “Is That Clear So Far?”

Meaning: A check-in to confirm understanding at a specific point in the conversation.

Example: “We’ve discussed the initial steps. Is that clear so far?”

Explanation: This is used when you want to ensure understanding after explaining part of a larger concept or process.

Tone: Encouraging, open.

7. “Do You Need Any Clarification?”

Meaning: A way of offering further explanation if needed.

Example: “I’ve covered the changes to the process. Do you need any clarification?”

Explanation: This alternative is more empathetic, offering assistance in case the listener needs further explanation.

Tone: Supportive, helpful.

8. “How Does That Sound?”

Meaning: A way to ask if the explanation or proposal is acceptable or makes sense to the listener.

Example: “We can schedule the meeting for next week. How does that sound?”

Explanation: This variation is often used to gauge a listener’s reaction, offering a sense of openness.

Tone: Casual, approachable.

9. “Are You With Me So Far?”

Meaning: A conversational alternative to check whether the listener is following along.

Example: “We need to review the budget in detail. Are you with me so far?”

Explanation: This phrase engages the listener, asking for feedback about their comprehension.

Tone: Informal, inclusive.

10. “Is That What You Were Expecting?”

Meaning: This confirms whether the listener’s expectations are aligned with the explanation.

Example: “I’ve outlined the strategy for the next quarter. Is that what you were expecting?”

Explanation: This alternative helps ensure that the explanation meets the listener’s expectations, offering an opportunity for clarification.

Tone: Thoughtful, reflective.

11. “Can I Clarify Anything?”

Meaning: An invitation to ask questions or request clarification.

Example: “I’ve gone over the new proposal. Can I clarify anything?”

Explanation: This variation expresses a willingness to clear up any confusion and ensure the listener’s understanding.

Tone: Helpful, open.

12. “Does That Make Sense to You?”

Meaning: A gentle way of confirming whether the listener understands.

Example: “I’ve explained the new policy changes. Does that make sense to you?”

Explanation: This phrase is more personal, focusing on the individual’s understanding.

Tone: Warm, personal.

13. “Are There Any Questions?”

Meaning: A prompt for the listener to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Example: “We’ve covered the timeline. Are there any questions?”

Explanation: This encourages a two-way dialogue, allowing the listener to voice any uncertainties.

Tone: Open, approachable.14. “Are You Following?”

Meaning: A simple check-in to see if the listener is keeping up with the conversation.

Example: “We’re almost done with the presentation. Are you following?”

Explanation: This variation is a direct, yet casual, way to confirm that the listener is engaged and understanding.

Tone: Direct, casual.

15. “Does That Resonate With You?”

Meaning: Asking whether the information or idea presented aligns with the listener’s thoughts or feelings.

Example: “I’ve laid out the team goals. Does that resonate with you?”

Explanation: This question encourages a deeper connection by asking if the explanation feels relevant or meaningful to the listener.

Tone: Thoughtful, reflective.

16. “Does That Make Sense in Context?”

Meaning: Asking if the explanation makes sense given the surrounding context or situation.

Example: “We’ve discussed the budget proposal. Does that make sense in context?”

Explanation: This variation checks for understanding in relation to a larger framework or context.

Tone: Professional, thorough.

17. “Can You Follow Along?”

Meaning: A straightforward way of asking if the listener is able to follow what has been explained so far.

Example: “I’ve gone over the project steps. Can you follow along?”

Explanation: This phrasing gently checks if the listener has been able to keep up with the details.

Tone: Supportive, encouraging.

18. “Is Everything Clear?”

Meaning: A simple yet effective question to confirm that all points have been understood.

Example: “We’ve reviewed the new software guidelines. Is everything clear?”

Explanation: This phrase invites the listener to indicate if there’s anything unclear, allowing for more clarity.

Tone: Direct, efficient.

19. “How Does That Sound to You?”

Meaning: Used to gauge the listener’s reaction to the explanation.

Example: “We’re looking to streamline the process. How does that sound to you?”

Explanation: This is a more engaging way of checking understanding, inviting feedback.

Tone: Friendly, inclusive.

20. “Do You See What I Mean?”

Meaning: A question to ensure the listener understands the point being made.

Example: “We’ll be restructuring the department. Do you see what I mean?”

Explanation: This alternative is conversational and checks if the listener is grasping the message in the intended way.

Tone: Casual, conversational.

21. “Are We in Agreement?”

Meaning: Used to check if both parties have the same understanding or opinion.

Example: “We’re moving forward with the proposed changes. Are we in agreement?”

Explanation: This phrase adds an element of alignment, confirming mutual understanding.

Tone: Formal, respectful.

22. “Is That the Clear Direction?”

Meaning: Asking if the course of action is understood clearly.

Example: “We’ve outlined the steps to move forward. Is that the clear direction?”

Explanation: This checks whether the listener is on the same page about the next steps or actions.

Tone: Professional, guiding.

23. “Do You Need Further Explanation?”

Meaning: Offering additional explanation if the listener is unsure or needs more details.

Example: “I’ve covered the new process. Do you need further explanation?”

Explanation: This phrase offers a chance for the listener to ask for additional details if necessary.

Tone: Helpful, patient.

24. “Would You Like Me to Clarify Anything?”

Meaning: A polite invitation for the listener to ask for clarification if needed.

Example: “We’ve gone over the updates. Would you like me to clarify anything?”

Explanation: This is an empathetic way to offer assistance if the listener needs any part of the explanation revisited.

Tone: Considerate, professional.

25. “Does This Sound Clear?”

Meaning: A more casual alternative to ask if the explanation is easy to follow.

Example: “The process should be much simpler now. Does this sound clear?”

Explanation: This question is easygoing but still aims to confirm the listener’s understanding.

Tone: Casual, approachable.

26. “Is This Making Sense?”

Meaning: A casual check to ensure the listener is understanding what’s being said.

Example: “We’re focusing on growth this quarter. Is this making sense?”

Explanation: This is a simple and conversational way to ask if the listener is following.

Tone: Casual, friendly.

27. “Do You Have Any Concerns?”

Meaning: Used to invite the listener to voice any potential confusion or issues they might have.

Example: “We’ve finalized the timeline. Do you have any concerns?”

Explanation: This phrase is less about checking for understanding and more about inviting feedback or clarifications.

Tone: Open, engaging.

28. “Would You Like a Recap?”

Meaning: Offering to go over the information again for clarity.

Example: “We’ve gone through the main points. Would you like a recap?”

Explanation: This is an offer to re-explain something in case the listener is unsure or needs further review.

Tone: Supportive, accommodating.

29. “Can I Help You With Anything?”

Meaning: Offering assistance to the listener if they need any further explanation or details.

Example: “We’ve discussed the goals. Can I help you with anything?”

Explanation: This phrase expresses a willingness to assist, making the listener feel comfortable asking for clarification.

Tone: Helpful, approachable.

30. “Does This Make Sense Within the Bigger Picture?”

Meaning: Asking whether the explanation aligns with the larger context or strategy.

Example: “We’ve covered the changes in process. Does this make sense within the bigger picture?”

Explanation: This alternative invites the listener to consider the information in relation to a broader framework or goal.

Tone: Reflective, strategic.

Conclusion

Choosing the right phrase to confirm understanding can elevate your communication and make it feel more intentional and supportive. Whether you’re offering a check-in during a conversation, presenting new information, or inviting feedback, using alternatives to “Does that make sense?” can make your interactions more thoughtful and professional.

By incorporating these variations into your communication, you create space for clarity and mutual understanding, while also maintaining a positive and professional tone.