is construed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is construed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something is interpreted or understood. Example: "In this contract, the term 'party' is construed to include both individuals and organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is questionable whether bribing police officials in the pursuit of information for a newspaper article would assist the News Corporation in "obtaining or retaining" business, unless selling more newspapers is construed to come within the statute.

The New York Times

Back and forth it goes between warriors or hippies, hunters or vegans, all of which is construed to have some bearing on everything from our own current-day economic systems to the institution of marriage to diet.

The New Yorker

The term "subject" used in the remainder of Section 2.80 is construed to be a major commitment of a student's intellectual effort, explicitly in the 9- to 15-unit range, and usually 12 units.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For purposes of this paragraph only, an exception listed in paragraphs (b) and (c) referencing "work environment" is construed to mean for contractors and volunteers only, on property owned, leased, operated over or maintained by the railroad.

Cornell University

More importantly, as the House of Lords recognized when it refused to amend the Statute of Anne in 1735, unless the Clause is construed to embody such a categorical rule, Congress may extend existing monopoly privileges ad infinitum under the majority's analysis.

Harvard University

Attribution is appreciated, but not necessary". 4) "Feel free to spread it far and wide, but remember you saw it here first". [FN179] If such language is construed to include intent for modifications, the expression of that intent could constitute either a license to make derivative works, or expression of intent for the author's contribution to merge with others' contributions.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We were doing nothing that can in any way be construed to be illegal," she said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the kinematic viscosity values are construed to affect CO and UHC concentrations.

Fuel

For purposes of this subsection, testimonials and benefit performances shall not be construed to be memorials.

Cornell University

The published research had been construed to give an impression that's not the case.

The Guardian

But I realized later that what he had said could be construed to mean almost anything.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is construed to" when you want to emphasize a specific interpretation, particularly in formal writing or legal contexts. Ensure the interpretation is clearly stated and supported by context.

Common error

Avoid using "is construed to" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler phrases like "means" or "is understood as" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is construed to" functions as a passive voice construction indicating how something should be understood or interpreted. It is frequently used in formal contexts to specify the intended meaning of a term, phrase, or action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is construed to" serves as a vital tool for specifying how something should be understood, particularly in formal settings. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in legal, academic, and news-related contexts. While grammatically sound and useful for precision, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in casual communication. When considering alternatives, phrases such as "is interpreted as" or "is understood as" offer similar meanings but may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpreting something in a specific way.

is understood as

Highlights the common understanding or perception of something.

is regarded as

Emphasizes a particular opinion or assessment of something.

is deemed to be

Implies a formal or official judgment about something.

is considered to be

Indicates a general belief or widespread acceptance of something.

is taken to mean

Focuses on the specific meaning that is derived from something.

is viewed as

Highlights a particular perspective or point of view.

is defined as

Emphasizes a formal or precise definition of something.

is characterized as

Highlights the defining characteristics or qualities of something.

amounts to

Implies a final result or effect, differing slightly in emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "is construed to" when you want to explain how something should be understood or interpreted, often in a formal or legal context. For example, "The term 'employee' "is construed to" include contractors as well as full-time staff."

What are some alternatives to "is construed to"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "is construed to"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, or academic papers when specifying how a particular term, phrase, or action should be understood. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "is construed to" and "means"?

"Means" is a more direct and straightforward way of indicating definition or intention. "Is construed to", on the other hand, suggests a particular interpretation or understanding, often in a legal or formal sense. The phrase "is interpreted as" could sometimes work as a substitute for "is construed to".