can be construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be construed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be interpreted or understood in a particular way. Example: "The statement made by the politician can be construed as an admission of guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Things can be construed in the wrong way.

The Guardian

His music, or much of it, can be construed as an inventive response to such questions.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed for some people their lives can be construed as the pursuit of unhappiness.

The Guardian - Books

But I don't think anything can be construed from the Queen's involvement.

The Guardian

The administration contends that two phrases can be construed as promoting abortion, officials said.

The New York Times

If the film grows slightly boring, even that can be construed as an advance.

The New Yorker

"Anything that can be construed as ground zero should not have a mosque," she said.

The New York Times

However, many broadly written international trade rules can be construed as applying to raw materials.

The New York Times

The architecture along Vienna's Ringstrasse can be construed as revealing the ambitions of the liberal bourgeoisie.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reason for the threat is contained in two terms that the administration contends can be construed as promoting abortion.

The New York Times

That can be construed as a somewhat ominous sign heading into a meeting Monday with team ownership at Shea Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be construed" to introduce an alternative, potentially controversial, interpretation of an event, statement, or action. Ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence for this alternative reading.

Common error

Avoid using "can be construed" in situations where a more direct and less ambiguous phrasing would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem convoluted and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be construed" functions as a qualifying expression. It introduces an interpretation or understanding that is possible but not necessarily definitive. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that something is open to a particular interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be construed" is a versatile and frequently used expression that introduces a possible interpretation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse sources, from news and scientific articles to encyclopedias and wikis. While alternatives like "can be interpreted" exist, "can be construed" often carries a slightly more critical or skeptical nuance. When employing this phrase, be mindful of overusing it and ensure the context supports the alternative interpretation you're presenting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be interpreted

Replaces "construed" with "interpreted", focusing on the act of assigning meaning.

can be understood as

Emphasizes the possibility of understanding something in a specific way.

can be viewed as

Highlights the act of observing or considering from a certain perspective.

may be regarded as

Indicates a potential view or opinion about something.

might be seen as

Suggests a possible perception or impression.

could be taken to mean

Focuses on the potential meaning that can be derived.

might be inferred

Centers on drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

can be deduced

Highlights the ability to arrive at a conclusion through logical reasoning.

can be gathered

Emphasizes the process of collecting or inferring information.

may imply

Focuses on a possible indirect suggestion or indication.

FAQs

How can I use "can be construed" in a sentence?

You can use "can be construed" to introduce an alternative interpretation of something. For example, "His silence "can be construed" as an admission of guilt."

What can I say instead of "can be construed"?

Alternatives include "can be interpreted", "can be understood as", or "might be seen as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be construed" or "can be interpreted"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Can be construed" suggests a slightly more critical or skeptical interpretation, while "can be interpreted" is more neutral. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be construed" and "can be inferred"?

"Can be construed" means something can be understood or interpreted in a particular way, often with some potential for ambiguity or debate. "Can be inferred" means a conclusion can be logically derived from the available evidence, suggesting a stronger basis in reasoning.