is open to interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is open to interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can have multiple meanings or perspectives, allowing for personal or subjective understanding. Example: "The poem's meaning is open to interpretation, as different readers may find various themes and emotions within the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is open to interpretation.

Independent

("Similar" is open to interpretation).

The New York Times - Tech

Safe space is open to interpretation.

The Guardian

Then again, art is open to interpretation.

The New York Times

Nel insists this is open to interpretation.

The Guardian

What happened next is open to interpretation.

The New York Times

Jewish religious law is open to interpretation.

The New York Times

Most art is open to interpretation.

The Guardian - Music

What they symbolize is open to interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

All else is open to interpretation.

The New York Times - Sports

What it does entail is open to interpretation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider briefly acknowledging the different potential interpretations to provide context and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "is open to interpretation" as a substitute for deeper analysis or explanation. Always offer some insight into why something might be interpreted in multiple ways, rather than simply stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is open to interpretation" functions as a comment clause or qualifier. It's typically used to acknowledge that a statement, action, or piece of work doesn't have a single, definitive meaning and that multiple perspectives are valid. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is open to interpretation" is a versatile expression used to acknowledge subjectivity and multiple perspectives, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a qualifier, inviting diverse understandings and interpretations. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it. While grammatical and widely accepted, it's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity and encourage deeper analysis. Alternatives such as "admits of different explanations" offer nuanced substitutes for specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admits of different explanations

Focuses on the possibility of various explanations rather than interpretations.

subject to personal judgment

Highlights the role of individual judgment in understanding.

can be viewed in different lights

Emphasizes different perspectives or viewpoints.

depends on one's perspective

Focuses on the role of individual viewpoint.

liable to be understood in more than one way

Stresses the ambiguity and potential for multiple understandings.

a matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the statement.

not a settled matter

Indicates that the issue is not definitively resolved.

up for debate

Suggests that the topic is still being discussed and argued.

can be construed in various ways

Highlights the various ways something can be inferred or constructed.

ambiguous and uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and definiteness.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is open to interpretation"?

It means that the subject or statement can be understood in multiple ways, allowing for different perspectives and meanings. The exact understanding depends on individual context and viewpoints.

How can I use "is open to interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use it to acknowledge the subjective nature of understanding. For example, "The artist's message "is open to interpretation", with some viewers seeing hope and others seeing despair."

What's the difference between "is open to interpretation" and "is subject to interpretation"?

The phrases are largely synonymous, both suggesting that something can be understood in multiple ways. "Is subject to interpretation" may imply a more formal or academic context, while "is open to interpretation" is slightly more general and widely used.

What are some alternatives to saying "is open to interpretation"?

You can use alternatives like "admits of different explanations", "can be viewed in different lights", or "a matter of opinion" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.