deconstructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deconstructing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to analyze something in parts in order to better understand it. For example, "We are deconstructing the structure of society to better understand how decisions are made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He enjoys himself deconstructing the word "chilled", a "pocket fluff" definition that's indiscriminately applied to any sort of restrained and subtle music, including his own.

The Guardian - Music

Five Indian artists are boycotting "Deconstructing India" but several are not.

The Economist

According to this view, the disintegration of Britain began in 1921 with Irish independence and may still have a long way to run.The most intellectually influential book "deconstructing" Britishness from a left-wing perspective has been Linda Colley's "Britons: Forging the Nation 1707-1837" (Vintage).

The Economist

Nick Danforth, the Foreign Policy writer, does a decent job of deconstructing the "Luther" question and showing how posing it reflects a linear, Anglo-Protestant view of history.

The Economist

And as a rigorous philosopher, he sets about deconstructing, in a few devastating strokes, some of the beliefs that people have held about the "personal" nature of reality.In a world where many of the forces that determine human life seem unpredictable, frightening and capricious, it is natural as Mr Dennett reminds us to attribute personal qualities to those forces.

The Economist

Most courses long ago incorporated a strong practical and technical element to complement those famous modules deconstructing "Star Trek".

The Economist

The vanishing Virginians A big deal Deconstructing the God squad Reprints Related items The battle for the Senate: Cacophony on the centre groundOct 19th 2006 New Jersey: All bets are offJul 6th 2006 New Jersey: So what's in it for you, Jon?Oct 6th 2005Many are turning to fresh-faced Mr Kean.

The Economist

Only 6% end up going to university compared with 38% of their peers.In this section Handing over control A poor report card Deconstructing the veil A better deal A predictable crisis King Coal redux An old man who's not in a hurry Reprints Related items Boarding schools: Labour's great experimentMay 4th 2006This educational failure is a blot on Labour's record.

The Economist

So researchers at the University of Bristol, led by William Allen, have been deconstructing these patterns, trying to match the elements to cats' habits and habitats, and thus show whether the patterns are evolving.

The Economist

This points towards what Modem's Mr O'Connell calls "deconstructing the website".

The Economist

Deconstructing Hamas' security force and integrating it into a joint one a process that Egypt is supposed to oversee has barely begun.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deconstructing" when you want to emphasize a thorough analysis that breaks down a complex concept into its fundamental components.

Common error

Avoid using "deconstructing" when a simpler term like "analyzing" or "examining" is sufficient. "Deconstructing" implies a more involved and critical process.

Linguistic Context

Deconstructing functions primarily as a verb, specifically the present participle, indicating an ongoing process of analysis. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deconstructing" is a versatile verb form widely used to describe the process of breaking down complex concepts for analysis. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media and Science contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "analyzing" or "examining", "deconstructing" implies a more thorough and critical approach. When using "deconstructing", ensure it aligns with the depth of analysis intended to avoid misrepresentation. It's most suitable for contexts requiring objective and detailed evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking down

A more straightforward term for dividing something into smaller parts for better understanding.

analyzing

Focuses on the analysis aspect without necessarily implying a breakdown or dismantling.

dismantling

Emphasizes the process of taking something apart, often with the intention of understanding it.

dissecting

Implies a more detailed and often critical examination, similar to a scientific dissection.

unraveling

Conveys the idea of disentangling complex or mysterious elements.

examining critically

Highlights the critical aspect of the analysis, suggesting a careful and evaluative approach.

decoding

Suggests deciphering a code or hidden meaning within something.

investigating

Suggests a systematic and thorough inquiry to uncover underlying aspects.

interpreting

Focuses on understanding the meaning or significance of something, often from a particular perspective.

exploring

Implies a broad and open-ended approach to understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "deconstructing" in a sentence?

You can use "deconstructing" to describe breaking down complex ideas, systems, or arguments into simpler components for analysis. For example, "The professor is "deconstructing" the economic model to understand its flaws."

What is a good substitute for "deconstructing"?

Alternatives include "analyzing", "examining", or "breaking down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to say someone is "deconstructing" an argument?

It means they are systematically taking apart the argument to expose its underlying assumptions, biases, and logical fallacies. It's a critical analysis aimed at revealing the argument's weaknesses.

Is "deconstructing" always a negative process?

Not necessarily. While it often involves identifying flaws and weaknesses, "deconstructing" can also lead to a deeper understanding and a more nuanced perspective. It's a method of critical inquiry, not inherently destructive.