it should be construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be construed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something should be interpreted or understood, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "In this agreement, the terms should be construed in accordance with the laws of the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For more discussion of the issue of intermediaries in cognition in medieval philosophy, especially in Aquinas, its relation to skepticism, and whether it should be construed in terms of the modern "direct realist" vs. "representationalist" distinction, see Klima 1996b.

SEP

You've convinced us, certainly, that there is a disagreement about how it should be construed, and that disagreement is articulated by the dissents in the most recent case.

The New York Times

But if, as many interpreters maintain (see Owen 1960; Furth 1968), it should be construed here either in terms of (a) what does or does not exist, or (b) what is or is not the case, or perhaps (c) some fusion of these two, then the goddess is denying the possibility of thinking or speaking about nonexistent objects, or nonfactual states-of-affairs, or both.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The sequence of the qualifiers could be explained as follows: just like the explicit realization of modality, the modalization should be construed, as it were, outside of the modalized nominal group.

Functional Linguistics

It also states that nothing in the measure should be "construed to diminish any rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution".

The New York Times

Now Democratic leaders in Congress want to make it clear that nothing in the medical device laws should be construed to prevent damage suits in state courts or to protect manufacturers from liability under state laws.

The New York Times

It has also been suggested that the normativity of belief should be construed in terms of 'role oughts', and that these are not subject to the principle that ought implies can (Chrisman forthcoming, Feldman 2001).

SEP

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote that an ad should be construed as an endorsement only if it "is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate".

Los Angeles Times

No one knows how broadly the "crime" in question should be construed.

The New York Times

This states that ambiguous criminal laws should be construed in favor of a defendant.

The New Yorker

The federal law is ambiguous, Chief Justice Roberts said, and ambiguities should be construed to favor criminal defendants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it should be construed" in legal or formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it should be construed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it should be understood" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be construed" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express how something ought to be understood or interpreted, often within a legal or formal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should be construed" is a formal expression used to indicate how something ought to be interpreted, particularly in legal, academic, or professional settings. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. While not as common as simpler alternatives, its precise meaning makes it valuable in contexts where clarity is paramount. It is frequently found in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, and avoid overuse in informal situations. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively communicate the intended interpretation of complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should be interpreted

Focuses on the act of interpreting something specifically.

it is to be interpreted

Highlights the intended or correct way to interpret something.

it ought to be interpreted

Uses 'ought' for a more formal or moral obligation in interpretation.

it needs to be interpreted

Suggests a requirement for interpreting something correctly.

it should be understood

Emphasizes the comprehension aspect rather than formal construction.

it is to be understood

Focuses on the intended comprehension of something.

it must be understood

Conveys a sense of necessity in understanding something a certain way.

it should be regarded

Suggests a particular way of considering something.

it should be seen

Implies a specific perspective or viewpoint.

it should be viewed

Similar to 'seen', but with a slightly more detached observation.

FAQs

How can I use "it should be construed" in a sentence?

Use "it should be construed" when you want to specify how something ought to be interpreted, particularly in legal or formal contexts. For example, "The contract's terms should be construed in accordance with state law".

What are some alternatives to "it should be construed"?

You can use alternatives such as "it should be interpreted", "it should be understood", or "it should be regarded" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it should be construed" formal language?

Yes, "it should be construed" is considered formal language and is best suited for legal, academic, or professional writing. Simpler phrases are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "it should be construed" and "it should be interpreted"?

While both phrases suggest how something should be understood, "it should be construed" often implies a more formal or legalistic interpretation, while "it should be interpreted" is a more general recommendation for understanding.