reasonable interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable interpretation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: "The text of the contract was open to reasonable interpretation, so the two sides disagreed on its meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But your contention here is that this is a reasonable interpretation of the Florida law.

The New York Times

"We're confident that there'll be a more fair and reasonable interpretation of the law," Moyer said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we know that her reasonable interpretation of the law will be binding".

The New York Times

He emphasises Galileo's earthiness instead of restrained scientific dignity, but that's a reasonable interpretation.

The Guardian - Film

By any reasonable interpretation of the relevant planning policies, the bridge should be refused.

The Guardian - Opinion

So far, courts have found the government's efforts a reasonable interpretation of the Endangered Species Act.

The Washington Post

However, another reasonable interpretation is that we want the word Love as a word by itself.

Stanford University

Held: Petitioners qualify as outside salesmen under the most reasonable interpretation of the DOL's regulations.

Cornell University

The Administrators further assert that Jobron, provides the reasonable interpretation to Miss.Code Ann.

Harvard University

The judge's decision, at first blush, appears to be a reasonable interpretation of the rule.

The New York Times

"We believe we made a reasonable interpretation of ambiguous language in a standardized contract," it said in a written statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "reasonable interpretation", clearly state the facts and assumptions upon which your interpretation is based. This will enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable interpretation" when the interpretation is self-evident or universally agreed upon. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where multiple valid interpretations exist and you are presenting one that requires justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "interpretation". It is frequently used to indicate a valid or justifiable understanding of a concept, document, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable interpretation" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a logical and justifiable understanding of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely accepted across various domains, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate the foundation of your interpretation to enhance its credibility. While generally neutral to formal, avoid using it when the interpretation is self-evident. Consider alternatives like "logical interpretation" or "plausible explanation" for nuanced variations. It is an important concept in law, ethics, and general communication where subjective biases can lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical interpretation

Emphasizes the rational and coherent nature of the interpretation.

plausible explanation

Highlights the believability and possibility of the interpretation.

valid construction

Focuses on the legitimacy and well-founded nature of the interpretation.

sound analysis

Highlights the robustness and reliability of the interpretation's basis.

justifiable understanding

Emphasizes that the interpretation is defensible and well-reasoned.

sensible reading

Focuses on the practical and easily understood nature of the interpretation.

fair assessment

Highlights the impartiality and objectivity of the interpretation.

tenable view

Stresses that the interpretation is defendable and able to be maintained.

acceptable reading

Emphasizes that the interpretation is widely agreed upon and permissible.

defensible construction

Emphasizes the interpretation's ability to be argued for successfully.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable interpretation" to suggest that a particular understanding of something is fair and logical, like: "The court determined that the company's actions were a "reasonable interpretation" of the contract's vague terms".

What can I say instead of "reasonable interpretation"?

You can use alternatives like "logical interpretation", "plausible explanation", or "valid construction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is an interpretation considered "reasonable"?

An interpretation is often deemed "reasonable" if it aligns with the available evidence, takes into account the context, and avoids extreme or illogical conclusions. Essentially, it's an interpretation that a rational person could reach.

What's the difference between "reasonable interpretation" and "subjective opinion"?

A "reasonable interpretation" is based on evidence and logic, whereas a "subjective opinion" stems primarily from personal feelings or beliefs. A "reasonable interpretation" can be defended with objective reasoning, unlike a purely subjective viewpoint.