may be construed as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be construed as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be interpreted or understood in a particular way. Example: "The actions of the company may be construed as a violation of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may be construed as taking large steps back to take larger ones forward eventually.

The Guardian - Sport

This may be construed as a compassionate selection – though not necessarily by Bairstow.

The Guardian - Sport

"Unless the kid is clearly of superior talent, anything a coach does may be construed as favoritism".

The New York Times

Its appearance may be construed as an olive branch, for Microsoft is seen as an enemy of the freely distributed Linux operating system.

The New York Times

"The intent to circumvent our tariffs is clear and may be construed as common-law fraud," American Airlines says in a statement.

The New York Times

The daughter, however, had an air that, in the light of developments, may be construed as indicating that an anticipated treat wasn't living up to expectations.

The New Yorker

"We stand firmly by our responsibility to support our authors and the free discussion of ideas, even those that may be construed as offensive by some," Random House explained in a statement.

The Guardian - Books

Sure, Mr. Hansen said, since the papers' policy of not "promoting the gay lifestyle or abortion" -- not writing any articles on the subjects that may be construed as supportive -- was made explicit a month ago, there has been some fallout.

The New York Times

The typical military approach (which makes sense in wartime, even if it's a cold war) is to keep anything that may be construed as a threat under tight wraps.

The New York Times - Tech

Steve Gollschewski, a deputy police commissioner, said the alleged offender's comments "may be construed as being of an extremist nature" and investigators were working with Australian federal police to establish his motives.

The Guardian

While all of these factors may be construed as evidence of a new intellectual 'global' framework, the fact remains that representation of contemporary art from Asia, outside Asia, has been largely superficial.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be construed as" to introduce an interpretation that is plausible but not definitively proven. It adds a layer of nuance to your writing, acknowledging potential alternative viewpoints.

Common error

While "may be construed as" is useful, avoid overusing passive constructions in your writing. Excessive passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Balance it with active voice for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be construed as" functions as a modal verb phrase introducing a possible interpretation or assessment. It suggests that a particular action, statement, or situation can be understood in a specific way, though not necessarily the only way. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be construed as" serves as a versatile tool to indicate possible interpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts from news to scientific publications, but it's important to use it mindfully. While alternatives like ""may be interpreted as"" exist, "may be construed as" carries a slightly formal tone. The phrase helps in adding nuance and analytical caution to your writing, acknowledging potential alternative viewpoints, and it can be considered a common phrase overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be interpreted as

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

may be viewed as

Focuses on the act of seeing or regarding something from a particular viewpoint.

can be regarded as

Emphasizes the possibility of considering something from a certain perspective.

can be perceived as

Highlights how something can be sensed or understood by others.

could be seen as

Highlights the potential for something to be perceived in a specific manner.

might be understood as

Suggests a possible comprehension or interpretation of something.

might be considered as

Emphasizes the possibility of taking something into account in a specific light.

could be interpreted to mean

Focuses on the potential meaning that can be derived from something.

might be taken to indicate

Suggests that something can be understood as a sign or signal of something else.

may be deemed to be

Emphasizes a formal or official judgment about something.

FAQs

How can I use "may be construed as" in a sentence?

Use "may be construed as" to suggest a possible interpretation or understanding of an action, statement, or situation. For instance, "His silence "may be construed as" agreement."

What are some alternatives to "may be construed as"?

Alternatives include "may be interpreted as", "might be understood as", or "could be seen as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "may be construed as" or "is construed as"?

"May be construed as" suggests a possibility or potential interpretation, while "is construed as" implies a more definitive or widely accepted interpretation. Choose the option that best reflects the certainty of the interpretation.

What's the difference between "may be construed as" and "can be interpreted as"?

The phrases are very similar. "May be construed as" often carries a slightly more formal tone, while "can be interpreted as" is generally more straightforward and widely applicable.