strict construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strict construction" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts, particularly when discussing the interpretation of statutes or constitutional provisions. For example, "The court adopted a strict construction of the law, limiting its application." Alternative expressions include "narrow interpretation" and "literal interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Is it too much to ask for "strict construction" of that?Bill Balderston Kilmarnock, Virginia.

The Economist

And he would promise to adhere to a strict construction schedule.

The New York Times

He also began with a strong commitment to limited government and strict construction of the Constitution.

Britannica

"We wanted Ted to take a leadership role in the United States in articulating a vision of strict construction.

The New Yorker

The conservative justice is saying, with irony in the fire, that it serves him right for straying from strict construction.

The New York Times - Magazine

President Bush has urged strict construction of the Constitution, and the Fifth Amendment is a good place to start.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is for this reason that strict constructions of these religions, and the long cultural tail of their effects, should not be beyond criticism.

Huffington Post

In addition, the disaster resulted in stricter construction codes being adopted by states across the country.

Britannica

Instead, administration officials and a Republican close to the White House said Mr. Bush would offer some general principles about "building a better New Orleans" with stricter construction standards to try to avoid a replay of the recent catastrophe.

The New York Times

Higher construction and electrical installation costs may be caused by stricter construction standards to cope with the risks of earthquakes, typhoons or lightning, and land-related regulations, while lengthy approval processes and administrative standards (e.g., environmental assessment) may cause higher planning and project management costs.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

His strict-construction alternative, using apostrophes to indicate possession -- "against homosexuals', or any other group's, promoting" -- is correct but clunky.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or constitutional matters, use "strict construction" to emphasize adherence to the literal meaning of the text.

Common error

Avoid using "strict construction" interchangeably with "strict constructionism". The latter is a specific legal philosophy, while the former is a general interpretive method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strict construction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a method of interpreting laws or documents. Ludwig AI's examples show it frequently appears in discussions about constitutional law and statutory interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strict construction" is a widely used term, particularly in legal and political discourse, to describe an interpretive approach that emphasizes the literal meaning of texts. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and very common. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. When using "strict construction", remember that it refers specifically to interpreting words as they are written, and avoid confusing it with the broader philosophy of "strict constructionism". Alternatives like "literal interpretation" or "narrow interpretation" can be used to convey similar but slightly different nuances. Finally, be aware of the potential confusion with the term strict constructionism which describes a specific legal philosophy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literal interpretation

Focuses on interpreting words exactly as they are written, without looking for implied meanings.

narrow interpretation

Emphasizes a limited or restricted understanding of a text or rule.

close reading

Involves careful and detailed analysis of a text to understand its meaning fully.

textualist approach

Highlights adherence to the explicit wording of a law or document.

originalist interpretation

Seeks to understand the original intent of the authors of a text.

conservative interpretation

Implies a traditional and cautious approach to understanding texts or rules.

formalistic interpretation

Stresses the importance of adhering to established forms and procedures.

precise application

Focuses on the accurate and exact implementation of rules or guidelines.

rigid construction

Indicates an inflexible and unyielding approach to interpretation.

faithful adherence

Highlights loyalty and commitment to following rules or guidelines closely.

FAQs

How is "strict construction" applied in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "strict construction" refers to interpreting laws and constitutional provisions based on their literal and explicit wording, without inferring additional meanings or implications.

What are some alternatives to "strict construction"?

You can use alternatives like "literal interpretation", "narrow interpretation", or "textualist approach" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "strict construction" the same as originalism?

While both involve interpreting texts closely, originalism focuses on the original intent of the authors, while "strict construction" emphasizes the literal meaning of the words themselves. The two are similar but not identical.

What is the opposite of "strict construction"?

The opposite of "strict construction" is often referred to as loose construction or broad interpretation, which involves considering the underlying principles and purposes of a text rather than just its literal wording.