is construed as

USAGE SUMMARY

"is construed as" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to denote that a phrase or sentence can be understood to mean something else, even though it is not explicitly stated. For example, "Her support of the president is construed as an endorsement" implies that she has not explicitly endorsed the president, but her support can be interpreted as an endorsement.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One natural suggestion is that experimental mathematics involves performing mathematical experiments, where the term "experiment" here is construed as literally as possible.

SEP

He's incredulous that poking someone is construed as a come-on.

Independent

Domestic violence is construed as one-sided aggression, when often there is a warped dynamic of intimacy in which both the men and the women are players.

The New York Times - Magazine

In both cases, identity is construed as a recognisable object, a specific something with a given content that can be tagged with an appropriate label.

The Guardian - Opinion

This sophistry is construed as a sop to the hard-right parties which have threatened to leave the government over the settlements.

The Economist

When some item in a work of art is construed as a symbol, it is always infused with these vital qualities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whether instinct is construed as an urge or drive or as a way of behaving, genetic inheritance is usually either explicitly asserted or implicitly assumed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Air Pirates is construed as holding that the graphic characters in question constituted the story being told, it does little to alter the Sam Spade opinion.

Harvard University

When the attachment requirement is construed as indicated above, we do not think the Government has carried its burden of proof.

Cornell University

If we really look at the facts, it is hard to escape the conclusion that when the repertoire of touch is severely limited--so that touch is construed as always and only sexual--children are actually at greater risk.

The New Yorker

In 1890, The London Daily News reported that "Judge Foster recently decided that liquor could only be sold in 'original packages,' which is construed as meaning one or more bottles of beer or whisky.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is construed as", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why this particular interpretation is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "is construed as" when a more direct and precise term is available; overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Replace it with a more direct verb when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is construed as" functions as a passive voice construction, used to indicate how something is interpreted or understood. It highlights the act of assigning meaning to an action, event, or statement, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is construed as" is a versatile construction that serves to indicate how something is being interpreted or understood. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. This phrase functions primarily to clarify an interpretation, particularly when the meaning may not be immediately apparent. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for academic, news, and formal writing. The most common contexts where you’ll find "is construed as" are in scientific articles, news reports, and encyclopedia entries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is understood as

Focuses on the comprehension or interpretation of something.

is interpreted as

Emphasizes the act of assigning meaning to something.

is regarded as

Highlights a particular opinion or assessment of something.

is considered as

Suggests a thoughtful evaluation or judgment of something.

is viewed as

Implies a specific perspective or outlook on something.

is seen as

Focuses on how something appears or is perceived.

is perceived as

Highlights the subjective impression of something.

is defined as

Emphasizes a formal or established explanation of something.

is characterized as

Focuses on the typical qualities or features of something.

is labeled as

Implies a specific term or designation is assigned to something.

FAQs

How can I use "is construed as" in a sentence?

The phrase "is construed as" is used to explain how something is understood or interpreted. For example, "His silence "is construed as" agreement with the proposal."

What are some alternatives to "is construed as"?

Alternatives include "is understood as", "is interpreted as", or "is regarded as". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is construed as" or "is considered as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is construed as" emphasizes a particular interpretation, while "is considered as" implies a more general assessment. Use "is construed as" when you want to highlight how something is being specifically understood in a given context.

What's the difference between "is construed as" and "is seen as"?

"Is construed as" suggests a more deliberate act of interpretation, whereas "is seen as" implies a more general perception. For example, "His actions "is construed as" a sign of weakness" suggests a specific interpretation, while "His actions "is seen as" weak" is a more general observation.