shall be construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall be construed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something should be interpreted or understood. Example: "Any ambiguities in this agreement shall be construed in favor of the party that did not draft the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In an effort to clarify the intent of Congress, the bill says, "The definition of disability in this act shall be construed in favor of broad coverage".

The New York Times

Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit the authority of any such governmental authority to prosecute any individual for whom control is transferred.

The New York Times

The amendment also reads, "Nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting health insurance issuers to discriminate in rates for health insurance coverage by gender".

The New Yorker

The amendment does contain one big exception: "Nothing in this article shall be construed to grant Congress or the States the power to abridge the freedom of the press".

The New Yorker

One passage reads: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or prohibit the instruction of the Holocaust, any other instance of genocide, or the historical oppression of a particular group of people based on ethnicity, race or class".

The New York Times

"Syndication" means the direct or indirect re-licensing to third parties in English and other languages of material we have acquired for such purpose and/or published or broadcast in the Licensed Products and "syndicate" shall be construed accordingly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The enunciation herein of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or impair others retained by the people.

The New York Times

Thus, the Ninth Amendment was added: "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people".

The New York Times

It reads, "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people".

The Economist

The Ninth Amendment says, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people".

The New York Times

The full text of the Ninth Amendment is: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shall be construed" in legal documents, ensure that the intended interpretation is unambiguous and clearly defined to avoid potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "shall be construed" grants unlimited interpretive freedom. The interpretation should still align with the overall context and purpose of the document or agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be construed" functions as a directive expression within legal and formal contexts. It explicitly instructs the reader how a particular term, clause, or provision must be interpreted. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in these settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall be construed" is a common and grammatically correct directive used primarily in legal and formal contexts to dictate how language should be interpreted. Ludwig AI verifies this through its analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources. While alternatives exist, such as "should be interpreted" or "is to be understood", the original phrase maintains a strong presence in formal writing. Best practices include ensuring clarity and avoiding assumptions of unlimited interpretive freedom. Overall, "shall be construed" serves to minimize ambiguity and promote consistent understanding in situations where precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be interpreted

Replaces "shall" with "should", softening the directive nature while retaining the meaning of interpretation.

is to be understood

Focuses on the understanding aspect, replacing "construed" with a more direct term.

is defined as

Provides a definition, shifting the focus from interpretation to a specific meaning.

must be regarded

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of considering something in a specific way.

will be deemed

Uses legalistic language to indicate how something will be judged or considered.

is considered

Offers a general way to express how something is viewed or understood.

means

Provides a simple, direct statement of what something signifies.

is taken to mean

Highlights the act of deriving a specific meaning from something.

is read as

Focuses on the interpretation of written text or statements.

can be understood

Suggests a possible interpretation, leaving room for alternative understandings.

FAQs

How is "shall be construed" typically used in legal writing?

In legal writing, "shall be construed" indicates how a specific term, clause, or provision must be interpreted. It aims to provide clarity and prevent misinterpretations, often defining the scope or limitations of the included language.

What are some alternatives to "shall be construed" in less formal contexts?

In less formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "should be interpreted", "is to be understood", or "is defined as" to convey a similar meaning with less formality.

Is "shall be construed" interchangeable with "must be construed"?

While both phrases convey a sense of obligation, "shall be construed" is more traditional in legal drafting, whereas "must be construed" is seen by some as more direct and modern. Both effectively instruct how the language should be interpreted.

What happens if a term defined using "shall be construed" is still ambiguous?

If ambiguity persists, courts often apply rules of construction to determine the proper interpretation, considering the document's intent, related provisions, and relevant case law. Sometimes, ambiguities "shall be construed" against the drafter.