interpretations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interpretations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of explaining or understanding something in a particular way, often in contexts like literature, law, or art. Example: "The various interpretations of the poem reveal its depth and complexity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reading Larkin is never a simple matter, and his depicted transition from "maiden" to "married" name invites multiple interpretations.

The Guardian - Books

If such a thing as a perfect translation exists (few would argue it does) it might still not be enough to control for students' differing interpretations of the same set of instructions.

The Guardian

They still do have have minor preconceived ideas, but they're quite open to interpretations about who we are".

The Guardian - Arts

But, of course, there are infinitesimal interpretations of that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This legislation affirms that Americans have a right to know the assumptions and legal interpretations that are guiding our national security decisions," Rokita said.

The Guardian

Of course university tutors are able to see what external factors might affect an application, but unless they have access to the correct information, these interpretations could be called into question.

The Guardian

What unfolded over the next 80 minutes, if you subscribe to the more romantic interpretations, created one country and fanned the flames of a revolution in another.

The Guardian - Sport

The former cabinet secretary said: "I'll be in London at various studios trying to ensure that those interpretations that come out of the exit polls at one minute past 10 are actually in line with what's in the cabinet manual, and people aren't saying: 'Oh well, I think I've got a chance because I got this number of seats or whatever'".

The Guardian

If marital surname change was open to ambiguous interpretations in 1955, it is even more so in 2014.

The Guardian - Books

Interpretations of what this actually means will vary, but it is certainly more maudlin – schmaltzy even – than it is funny.

The Guardian - Opinion

But a handful of US senators, especially Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, and Mark Udall, Democrat of Colorado, of the intelligence committee, have warned for years that the government's secret interpretations of those provisions authorizes far more surveillance on Americans' communications than legislators intended.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interpretations", ensure the context clarifies whose interpretations are being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "legal interpretations" or "historical interpretations".

Common error

Avoid using "interpretations" without specifying the subject or context. Be specific about what is being interpreted to enhance clarity and avoid vague statements.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interpretations" is that of a plural noun. It refers to various ways in which something can be understood or explained. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "interpretations" functions as a plural noun denoting various understandings or explanations of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used, appearing frequently in news, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. When employing "interpretations", clarity is key. Specifying whose interpretations are being discussed can significantly reduce ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "explanations", "understandings", and "perspectives" can be used to add nuance. Mastering the use of "interpretations" not only enhances writing precision but also enables a richer comprehension of diverse viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanations

Focuses on the act of making something clear or understandable.

understandings

Highlights the comprehension or perception of a concept or situation.

readings

Emphasizes a particular way of understanding or analyzing something, often texts.

versions

Suggests different accounts or perspectives on a particular event or story.

perspectives

Indicates various viewpoints or angles from which something can be viewed.

renditions

Implies a particular performance or representation of something, often artistic works.

viewpoints

Highlights specific positions or standpoints on a particular issue.

assessments

Focuses on the evaluation or judgment of something based on available information.

analyses

Emphasizes a detailed examination or study of something to understand its nature or elements.

constructions

Focuses on how something is understood or built conceptually.

FAQs

How can I use "interpretations" in a sentence?

You can use "interpretations" to refer to different understandings or explanations of a subject. For instance, "The poem allows for multiple "interpretations" depending on the reader's background."

What's the difference between "interpretations" and "explanations"?

"Interpretations" often involve subjective understanding, while "explanations" aim to clarify facts or processes. For example, one might offer various "interpretations" of a dream, but provide a single "explanation" of a scientific phenomenon.

What are some alternatives to using the word "interpretations"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "understandings", "explanations", or "perspectives".

Is it correct to use "interpretations" in formal writing?

Yes, "interpretations" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly used in academic, legal, and professional contexts to discuss different understandings or analyses.