could be interpreted

USAGE SUMMARY

'could be interpreted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility that something has a certain meaning or interpretation. For example: "The artist's ambiguous painting style could be interpreted in a variety of ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be interpreted as follows.

Columbia University

This could be interpreted several ways.

The New York Times

This gesture could be interpreted many ways.

The Guardian

However, some these could be interpreted as violating the law.

Harvard University

Of course Reynolds comments could be interpreted more passively.

The Guardian

It could be interpreted that way under the law.

The New York Times

VIOLENCE -- The toy soldiers could be interpreted as slightly menacing.

The New York Times

Because creative thoughts could be interpreted as madness?

The Guardian - Music

"Well, then?" This could be interpreted in many different ways.

The New Yorker

"And there's no question it could be interpreted broadly".

The New York Times

Passages that could be interpreted as opinion have been removed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be interpreted", consider providing alternative interpretations to demonstrate a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid presenting a single interpretation as the definitive meaning when using "could be interpreted". Acknowledge the possibility of multiple valid perspectives to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be interpreted" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that a particular meaning or understanding is one of several possibilities, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be interpreted" is a versatile phrase used to introduce possible, rather than definitive, understandings of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates it frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, acknowledge multiple interpretations and avoid presenting a single view as fact. Alternative phrases like "can be understood" or "is open to interpretation" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of overstating interpretations and always maintain objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is open to interpretation

This highlights the subjective nature of understanding and the possibility of multiple valid interpretations.

is subject to interpretation

This implies that the meaning is not fixed and can vary depending on individual perspectives or contexts.

can be understood

This alternative suggests a capability of being grasped or comprehended, focusing on the ease of understanding.

might be construed

This suggests a particular understanding or explanation, often in a legal or formal context, emphasizing potential implications.

may be explained

This alternative focuses on providing a reason or justification for something, highlighting the act of clarification.

allows for understanding

This focuses on the potential or possibility of comprehension, indicating that conditions are favorable for understanding.

might be deciphered

This alternative suggests an effort to decode or understand something cryptic or unclear, emphasizing the act of unveiling meaning.

can be viewed

This alternative emphasizes a perspective or way of looking at something, suggesting subjectivity in understanding.

suggests an explanation

This highlights the hint or indication of a possible reason or justification, pointing towards an underlying cause.

admits of explanation

This alternative suggests that something is capable of being explained, often implying a complex or mysterious nature.

FAQs

How can I use "could be interpreted" in a sentence?

You can use "could be interpreted" to suggest that something is open to different understandings. For example, "The ambiguous ending "could be interpreted" in several ways depending on the viewer's perspective."

What are some alternatives to saying "could be interpreted"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be understood", "might be construed", or "is open to interpretation", each offering slightly different nuances.

Is it better to use "could be interpreted as" or "could be interpreted to be"?

"Could be interpreted as" is generally more concise and commonly used. While "could be interpreted to be" is grammatically correct, it's often perceived as slightly more formal or verbose.

What's the difference between "could be interpreted" and "should be interpreted"?

"Could be interpreted" suggests a possibility of different interpretations, whereas "should be interpreted" implies a recommendation or expectation of a particular interpretation. The former is descriptive, while the latter is prescriptive.