Instead of saying “that doesn’t make sense”, you can use “I’m not sure I understand”, “Could you clarify?”, or “I’m not following.” These alternatives focus on understanding and are often less confrontational than telling someone their explanation makes no sense.
Choose Wording by Tone
- I'm not sure I understand
- I'm not following
- I'm confused
- I don't understand
- Could you clarify?
- Could you explain that another way?
- I'm having trouble following the logic
- That doesn't add up
- I'm not seeing the connection
- I'm not sure how those points fit together
- Could you walk me through that?
- Could you elaborate?
- I may be missing something
- Can you help me understand?
- That seems unclear to me
I'm not sure I understand
A polite, neutral way to signal confusion without blaming the other person.
Example: I’m not sure I understand how the new process differs from the old one.
I'm not following
Natural in conversation and meetings when you have lost the thread of an explanation.
Example: I’m not following—could you go over the last step again?
I'm confused
Direct and honest. It works well when the situation itself is confusing, but it can sound abrupt without a follow-up question.
Example: I’m confused about which version we are meant to use.
I don't understand
Clear and direct. Add the specific point you do not understand to keep it constructive.
Example: I don’t understand how that figure was calculated.
Could you clarify?
A concise professional question that asks for clearer wording or more detail.
Example: Could you clarify what you mean by “final approval”?
Could you explain that another way?
Useful when the first explanation did not work for you and you need a different framing.
Example: Could you explain that another way? I’m not familiar with the terminology.
I'm having trouble following the logic
Best when the individual statements are clear but the reasoning between them is not.
Example: I’m having trouble following the logic from the first assumption to the conclusion.
That doesn't add up
Use this when facts, numbers, or parts of an explanation appear inconsistent. It is more challenging than simply saying you are confused.
Example: Those totals don’t add up to the figure in the report.
I'm not seeing the connection
A useful way to ask how two ideas, facts, or steps relate to each other.
Example: I’m not seeing the connection between the staffing change and the projected savings.
I'm not sure how those points fit together
Polite and specific when several parts of an argument seem disconnected.
Example: I’m not sure how those points fit together—could you explain the link?
Could you walk me through that?
Friendly and collaborative. It asks the speaker to explain the process or reasoning step by step.
Example: Could you walk me through how you reached that conclusion?
Could you elaborate?
A concise formal request for more detail. It works best when the problem is insufficient explanation rather than contradiction.
Example: Could you elaborate on what the second stage involves?
I may be missing something
A tactful phrase that leaves open the possibility that you have overlooked information.
Example: I may be missing something, but why are we using last year’s figures?
Can you help me understand?
A collaborative way to ask for clarification, particularly when you want to keep the tone warm.
Example: Can you help me understand why the deadline moved?
That seems unclear to me
A measured way to criticize wording or reasoning without declaring it objectively meaningless.
Example: The distinction between the two categories seems unclear to me.
Best Choice in a Professional Conversation
“I’m not sure I understand” or “Could you clarify?” usually works better than “That doesn’t make sense.” They identify the problem without making the other person defensive.
When “That Doesn’t Add Up” Is Better
Use “that doesn’t add up” when there appears to be a real inconsistency in figures, facts, or reasoning. If you simply need more explanation, a clarification question is more accurate and less confrontational.