is construed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is construed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something is interpreted or understood by someone or a group. Example: "The contract is construed by the courts to mean that both parties must fulfill their obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But a strange shift has occurred in the way it is construed by management experts.

The Guardian - Opinion

New Labour's collapse in elections for the European Parliament is construed by some as Mr Blair's Borodino.

The Economist

It argues that the discursive treatment of postrecommendation poor health, situated in common ground and sequentiality, is construed by participants as either patient- or doctor-induced.

Journal of Pragmatics

This qualitative study explored how vehicle performance is construed by consumer drivers, using a repertory grid approach to elicit drivers' personal constructs.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Chaos ensues and when the bodies are untangled, Howard's feckless rebellion is construed by everyone else as backbone, sending his wife, in particular, into sensual ecstasy.

The New York Times

But the judgment is construed by the parties as having more specific operation, construed as subjecting the money received from the government to the payment of the balance of Calhoun's fee, doubtless because the estate has no other property.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Her entire body of work has been construed by some to be consistently anti-Israel.

The New York Times

"In my view, it could be construed by some to be harsher than the death penalty".

The New York Times

It would have also prohibited statements that could be construed by officials as justifying terrorist activities.

The New York Times

"It will be construed by many parents as a threat and it is not helpful.

The Guardian

"That's how the trial was construed by the people who conducted it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, especially in legal or technical writing, prefer "is construed by" over more ambiguous alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "is construed by" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can make your writing seem stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is seen as" or "is understood as" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is construed by" functions as a passive construction indicating how something is interpreted or understood. It emphasizes the act of interpretation and the entity doing the construing. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is construed by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates how something is interpreted or understood. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal and objective tone. While versatile, remember to avoid it in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is interpreted as

Focuses on the act of giving meaning or understanding to something, highlighting the interpretation aspect.

is understood as

Emphasizes the comprehension and acceptance of a particular meaning or viewpoint.

is regarded as

Suggests a considered opinion or judgment about something, often based on evidence or reputation.

is viewed as

Indicates a perspective or way of seeing something, highlighting the subjective nature of understanding.

is perceived as

Focuses on how something is sensed or recognized, often implying a sensory or emotional interpretation.

is considered to be

Implies a more formal or deliberate assessment, often based on established criteria or standards.

is deemed to be

Suggests an official or authoritative judgment, often made by someone in a position of power or expertise.

is taken to mean

Highlights the inferred meaning or implication of something, emphasizing the resulting understanding.

is thought of as

Indicates a general or common perception, often reflecting popular opinion or cultural norms.

is conceptualized as

Refers to the mental construction or formulation of something, emphasizing the theoretical or abstract nature of understanding.

FAQs

What does "is construed by" mean?

The phrase "is construed by" means that something is interpreted or understood in a particular way by someone. It's often used in legal or formal settings to indicate how a law, contract, or statement is understood by a specific party.

When should I use "is construed by" in my writing?

Use "is construed by" when you want to emphasize how a specific person or group interprets something, especially in legal, formal, or technical contexts. It adds a layer of precision and clarifies the perspective being presented. Example: "The contract "is construed by" the courts to mean that both parties must fulfill their obligations."

What are some alternatives to "is construed by"?

Alternatives to "is construed by" include "is interpreted as", "is understood as", "is regarded as", and "is viewed as". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is construed by" the same as "is constructed by"?

No, "is construed by" and "is constructed by" have different meanings. "Is construed by" refers to how something is interpreted or understood, while "is constructed by" refers to how something is built or created. Although these two may sound or look familiar, they have distinctive meanings. Be careful about which one to use.