have been construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been construed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something has been interpreted or understood over time. Example: "The terms of the contract have been construed in various ways by different parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It could have been construed as a dress you wear to one of those awards shows".

The New York Times - Style

Not to have stopped might have been construed as driving away from an accident.

The Guardian - Sport

To inquire into the differences between the professed religions around us might have been construed as Intolerance.

The New Yorker

Had the Islanders played at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum today, Mike Milbury's remark might have been construed differently.

The New York Times - Sports

Blessing Scotland's secession and reentry could have been construed as supporting secession movements in his own country.

Columbia University

The judgment also made several criticisms of Kennedy, including that his deployment could have been construed as "entrapment".

The Guardian

Elongated rock fragments and single crystal minerals present in NOA have been construed by some as having attributes, including the health effects, of asbestos fibers.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

This made a settlement difficult, since paying back any of the principal investment might have been construed as an admission of guilt on the part of the Wilpons.

The New Yorker

But then I rose and asked what could have been construed as an innocuous question: "Unlike other companies, Microsoft is now stalked by an 800lb gorilla, the government.

The Guardian - Tech

My first musical memory is of dancing round a table in an anticlockwise direction while playing the violin, which, looking back, could have been construed as mildly satanic.

The Guardian - Music

While it made broad arguments, the document could have been construed to pertain to Mueller's push to interview the president, according to someone with knowledge of the contents.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been construed" when you want to emphasize how something has been understood or interpreted, especially when there might be multiple possible interpretations. It often implies a degree of subjectivity or potential for disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "have been construed" to describe the physical construction of something. It is better suited for abstract concepts, statements, or behaviors that are subject to interpretation. For example, do not say "The house has been construed of bricks"; instead, say "The statement has been construed as a threat."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been construed" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that a subject (often an action, statement, or event) has undergone a process of interpretation or understanding by others. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where actions or words are being interpreted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been construed" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb construction used to convey how something has been interpreted or understood. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts and commonly appears in news, academic and scientific writing. When writing with "have been construed", consider the nuances of interpretation and potential subjectivity. Be careful to avoid misapplication to physical objects, as it is more suited to abstract concepts. Remember that while alternatives such as "have been interpreted" or "have been understood" exist, "have been construed" specifically suggests possible disagreements or subjective point of views.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been interpreted

Emphasizes the act of assigning meaning or significance.

have been understood

Focuses on the comprehension or grasp of something.

have been regarded

Highlights the specific viewpoint or estimation of something.

have been perceived

Focuses on the way something is sensed or viewed.

have been viewed

Implies a specific way of looking at or considering something.

have been deemed

Suggests a formal judgment or assessment.

have been considered

Indicates careful thought or evaluation.

have been taken as

Emphasizes how something is received or understood by others.

have been represented

Indicates how something is portrayed or presented.

have been characterized

Focuses on the attributes or qualities used to describe something.

FAQs

How can I use "have been construed" in a sentence?

Use "have been construed" when you want to express how something has been interpreted or understood, especially if the interpretation is debatable. For example, "His actions "could have been construed" as an act of defiance".

What phrases are similar to "have been construed"?

Similar phrases include "have been interpreted", "have been understood", and "have been regarded". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "have been construed" in formal writing?

Yes, "have been construed" is suitable for formal writing as it indicates a considered and nuanced interpretation. However, ensure that the context justifies its use and that a simpler alternative like "have been understood" isn't more appropriate.

What's the difference between "have been construed" and "have been interpreted"?

"Have been construed" often implies a degree of subjectivity or potential for disagreement in the interpretation, while "have been interpreted" is a more neutral term for assigning meaning. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the possibility of varying interpretations.