Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
shall be interpreted
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "shall be interpreted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how a particular term or provision should be understood or applied. Example: "In this agreement, the term 'party' shall be interpreted to include both individuals and organizations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
should be understood as
is defined as
is to be understood
is considered to be
can be taken to mean
is synonymous with
should be construed
shall be suspended
is expected to
shall be influenced
shall be prosecuted
is required to
is compelled to
must be obligated
shall be understood
shall be assigned
shall be administered
shall be determined
shall be implemented
shall be communicated
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
17 human-written examples
The first principle of treaty interpretation is that a treaty shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in light of its object and purpose (20 ).
Science
This agreement shall be freely assignable by GNM and shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of England.
News & Media
For the purpose of these clauses, "independent contractor" shall be interpreted (as appropriate) to include all engagements made with GNM via a company or limited company.
News & Media
For the purpose of this Clause 6, "independent contractor" shall be interpreted (as appropriate) to include all engagements made with GNM via a company or limited company.
News & Media
9.4 For the purpose of this Clause 9, "independent contractor" shall be interpreted (as appropriate) to include all agreements made with GNM via a company or limited company.
News & Media
Rather, it shall be interpreted as "an x% probability that the proximity is at least d".
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
"This document constitutes a marketing communication and shall not be interpreted as investment research.
News & Media
An official comment on the right to adequate food states explicitly that this right shall "not be interpreted in a narrow or restrictive sense which equates it with a minimum package of calories, proteins and other specific nutrients" (UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights [1999]).
It would also clarify that the initiative "shall not be interpreted to require any priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, or other person to perform a marriage in violation of his or her religious beliefs".
News & Media
Such kind of behavioural profiles shall not be interpreted as an index of impulsivity, but rather in terms of choice flexibility.
How shall significant data correlations be interpreted?
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing, always consider the audience for your written piece and the reader’s familiarity with legal or technical terminology. It is best to use the phrase when there is a clear need for avoiding any possible misinterpretation of a certain term.
Common error
Avoid using "shall be interpreted" in casual writing or everyday conversation, as it can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "means" or "is understood as" in less formal settings.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "shall be interpreted" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase used to indicate a mandatory or prescribed way in which something must be understood. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in formal and legal contexts.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "shall be interpreted" is a formal phrase used to dictate how something must be understood, commonly found in legal, academic, and official contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase aims for clarity and precision, setting a specific rule for interpretation to prevent ambiguity. While grammatically correct and useful in formal settings, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related alternatives include "is to be construed" and "should be understood as", each offering slight variations in formality and emphasis. When crafting your content, choose simpler and less verbose wording choices, when appropriate.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is to be construed
Replaces "shall be interpreted" with a more direct and active construction.
should be understood as
Offers a less formal and more accessible way to convey interpretation.
is to be understood
Similar to "should be understood as" but slightly more formal.
is defined as
Focuses on providing a specific definition rather than a general interpretation.
is deemed to mean
Implies a judgment or decision about the meaning.
is considered to be
Suggests a more subjective assessment of meaning.
must be construed
Emphasizes the mandatory aspect of the interpretation.
can be taken to mean
Indicates a possible, but not necessarily definitive, interpretation.
effectively means
Simplifies the interpretation to its practical consequence.
is synonymous with
Indicates that the term has the same meaning as another term.
FAQs
How can I use "shall be interpreted" in a sentence?
Use "shall be interpreted" to specify how a term or provision should be understood. For example, "In this contract, 'force majeure' "shall be interpreted" to include natural disasters and acts of war".
What is the level of formality when using "shall be interpreted"?
"Shall be interpreted" is highly formal and most appropriate for legal documents, contracts, and other official writings. Consider simpler alternatives in less formal contexts.
What can I say instead of "shall be interpreted"?
You can use alternatives like "is to be construed", "should be understood as", or "is defined as" depending on the context.
Is "shall be interpreted as" different from "is interpreted as"?
"Shall be interpreted as" indicates a mandatory or prescribed interpretation, often in legal or formal contexts, while "is interpreted as" simply describes how something is generally understood. The former sets a specific rule, the latter describes an existing understanding.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested