should be construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should 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: "The terms of the contract should be construed in a manner that reflects the intentions of both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

When I asked the research director and project director whether the data should be construed to indicate a declining Jewish population, they flatly answered no.

The New York Times

Such a wish, as he insists, does not mean that "The White Ribbon," or any of his other works, should be construed as a parable of Nazism.

The New Yorker

The court held that the "method" in the constitution should be construed broadly, allowing for more than one way of indicating choice within a single uniform electoral system.

The Guardian

"Nothing here should be construed to show that there's been any new finding or change in the wreckage that we've been studying," said Ted Lopatkiewicz, the board's spokesman.

The New York Times

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

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

Yelp lets you review the reviews — as funny, useful or cool — suggesting that these reviews should be construed in part as style exercises.

The New York Times - Magazine

Used in reference to two distinct but associated people, couple should be construed as a plural: The couple were married in 1952.

The New York Times

Until one of the Democratic candidates articulates a coherent alternative vision of America's role in the world, this criticism is going to look like and should be construed as partisan cheap shots.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be construed" when you want to emphasize an authoritative or widely accepted interpretation, especially in contexts where precision is critical.

Common error

Avoid using "should be construed" in informal or casual contexts. This phrase is best suited for formal, legal, or academic writing where a precise and authoritative interpretation is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be construed" functions as a passive voice construction indicating how something ought to be interpreted or understood. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. The examples illustrate its use in legal, academic, and formal settings where precise interpretation is essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

9%

Reference

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be construed" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily used in formal contexts to indicate how something ought to be interpreted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and commonly found in legal, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "should be interpreted" and "should be understood" exist, "should be construed" carries a specific weight, suggesting an authoritative or widely accepted understanding. Avoid using it in informal settings to maintain appropriate formality. Ludwig's analysis highlights that while the phrase is very common, awareness of its proper context ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be interpreted

Emphasizes the act of explaining the meaning of something.

should be understood

Highlights the comprehension and grasping of meaning.

should be regarded

Focuses on the manner of considering or thinking about something.

should be viewed

Stresses the perspective or angle from which something is seen.

should be deemed

Implies a formal judgment or assessment.

should be considered

Suggests a careful thought process before reaching a conclusion.

must be interpreted

Indicates a mandatory way of understanding something.

must be understood

Highlights a necessary comprehension of meaning.

ought to be understood

Indicates a recommended or advisable way of understanding.

ought to be interpreted

Highlights a suggested way of explaining the meaning of something.

FAQs

How to use "should be construed" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be construed" is typically used to indicate how something ought to be understood or interpreted, especially in legal or formal contexts. For example, "The contract's terms "should be construed" in accordance with the original intent of the parties."

What can I say instead of "should be construed"?

You can use alternatives like "should be interpreted", "should be understood", or "should be regarded" depending on the context. These phrases offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "should be construed" or "must be construed"?

Both ""should be construed"" and "must be construed" are correct, but they convey different levels of obligation. "Should be construed" suggests a recommended interpretation, while "must be construed" indicates a mandatory one.

What's the difference between "should be interpreted" and "should be construed"?

While both phrases relate to understanding, "should be interpreted" generally refers to explaining the meaning of something. On the other hand, ""should be construed"" is often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something ought to be legally or officially understood.