“This does not make sense”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“this does not make sense”
Most listeners hear “sense” as a judgment of them rather than their idea, so they get defensive and stop listening. Pointing at the exact part that doesn't add up and asking for it to be explained or fixed keeps the conversation on the work.
Say this instead
- 01
I'm having trouble following the reasoning behind this plan. Could you walk me through how the timeline connects to the budget?
Boss · Email
Asking for the reasoning behind a decision that seems illogical keeps you from rejecting the plan outright.
- 02
I'm not seeing how step 3 follows from step 2. Can you talk me through it?
Coworker · Chat
Naming the exact gap between steps invites a short explanation, which suits quick working chats.
- 03
Before we go ahead, one thing to check: the figures in section 2 don't add up for me. Could we go through them together?
Client · Email
Raising errors as something to check together lets you flag a flawed proposal or brief without blaming anyone.
- 04
This part isn't clear to me yet. Can you explain what you were aiming for and how you got to this result?
Someone you manage · Chat
Asking for the thinking behind someone's work keeps the conversation open when you review it.
- 05
The salary range in the listing and the one you mentioned on the call don't match. Could you confirm which one applies to this role?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Stating the mismatch plainly and asking for one clear answer settles conflicting details like salary ranges.
- 06
Hi Madeleine, the two invoice totals we have don't match, so I can't confirm the amount yet. Can you send the receipt so we can check?
Customer · SMS
Explaining the problem and the next step keeps a short text about conflicting numbers easy to act on.
- 07
The two priorities you gave me this morning seem to conflict. Which should I put first?
Boss · Chat
Turning confusion into a question about priority gets you a clear decision when instructions pull in opposite directions.
- 08
Your numbers and mine don't line up for the Friday report. Can we compare them for 10 minutes today?
Coworker · SMS
Proposing a quick comparison settles a mismatch fast and doesn't suggest who is wrong.
Examples
Hi Daniel, Thanks for sending the revised rollout plan. I'm struggling to see how launching in March fits with the testing window that ends in April. Could you walk me through how those two dates work together? Best regards, Jennifer
Hi Devon, I'm not seeing how the totals in column D were calculated. Could you show me the formula you used? I want to check it against my sheet.
What to avoid
- Calling the idea senseless in a way that targets the person or their intelligence instead of the specific part.
- Sarcasm such as “Well, that's an interesting idea” will read as mockery and shut the conversation down.
- A vague complaint that never names the exact step, figure or sentence gives the other person nothing to fix.
- Posting it in front of a large group is a mistake when a private message would do.
- Asking “What were you thinking?” sounds like blame and invites a defensive reply.