be misinterpreted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be misinterpreted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being understood incorrectly or in a different way than intended. Example: "The message was vague, and it could easily be misinterpreted by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Symptoms can be misinterpreted, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It can be misinterpreted".

The New York Times - Sports

Words can be misinterpreted.

The New York Times

But it will be misinterpreted".

The Guardian - Music

And how easily they could be misinterpreted.

The New Yorker

Now, this might be misinterpreted as vanity.

Independent

"It will be misinterpreted," Young told me.

The Guardian - Music

But also things can be misinterpreted.

The Guardian - Books

It's not an exact science and things can be misinterpreted.

The New York Times

ME charities raised concerns that fear avoidance would be misinterpreted.

The Guardian

"I don't want to be misinterpreted," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be misinterpreted", provide sufficient context to minimize the chance of misunderstanding. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience will interpret your message as intended. What is clear to you may not be clear to others. Review your communication from different perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be misinterpreted" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject is acted upon. It describes the state of something being incorrectly understood, as Ludwig AI demonstrates with several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be misinterpreted" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express that something has been, or could be, understood incorrectly. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. To ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations, providing sufficient context is crucial. Related phrases such as "be misunderstood" and "be misconstrued" can be used as alternatives, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be misunderstood

Focuses more broadly on a failure to understand.

be misconstrued

Implies a deliberate or unfavorable misinterpretation.

be incorrectly understood

Directly states the lack of correct understanding.

be falsely interpreted

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the interpretation.

be wrongly perceived

Highlights the incorrect sensory or cognitive impression.

be taken the wrong way

Informal way of saying something was misinterpreted.

be given the wrong impression

Focuses on the incorrect impression created.

be subject to misinterpretation

Highlights the possibility of misinterpretation as an inherent characteristic.

be open to misinterpretation

Similar to 'subject to' but emphasizes vulnerability.

be distorted in meaning

Suggests an alteration or corruption of the original meaning.

FAQs

How can I prevent my words from being misinterpreted?

Provide clear and unambiguous context, and consider your audience's background and perspective. Using precise language and avoiding jargon can also help. Ask for feedback to ensure your message is received as intended.

What does it mean when something is said to "be misinterpreted"?

It means that the message, action, or statement was understood incorrectly or in a way that was not intended by the speaker or actor. This can lead to confusion, conflict, or other negative consequences.

What are some alternatives to saying "be misinterpreted"?

You can use alternatives like "be misunderstood", "be misconstrued", or "be wrongly perceived" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "misinterpreted" or "misunderstood"?

Both "misinterpreted" and "misunderstood" are valid, but "misinterpreted" implies a more active process of incorrect interpretation, while "misunderstood" suggests a more passive failure to grasp the meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.