they are interpreted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are interpreted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something is understood or explained, often in the context of texts, data, or symbols. Example: "In literature, symbols are often complex, and they are interpreted in various ways by different readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hydrochemical diagrams are aimed at facilitating interpretation of evolutionary trends, particularly in groundwater systems, when they are interpreted in conjunction with distribution maps and hydrochemical sections.

Applied Water Science

These days, though, they are interpreted as having been caused by non-biological chemical reactions.

The Economist

"I believe that the real test for the new arrangements will be how they are interpreted by ministers.

The Guardian - Business

The signals then go to the implant, and electrodes send them to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

The New York Times

These are the words that recaptcha farms out and, once they are interpreted, returns to the original document.

The New York Times

However they are interpreted, it can by no means be said that they establish my father's guilt.

The New York Times

From there, the signals are relayed to second-order sensory neurons, which then carry the signals up into the brain, where they are interpreted as pain.

The Guardian

An adjoining room shows how they are interpreted today in the form of wedding dresses, baby clothes, sports plaques, exam certificates and sketches of Jesus.

The Guardian

As a parent, or grandparent, it is almost impossible to censor the stories that reach your child, or gauge how they are interpreted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though the methodology for collecting the results might be clear, the way they are interpreted and analysed to become final results is less so.

The Guardian

MacGregor's museum is a place where objects gain rather than lose meaning, where they are interpreted and re-interpreted, and encouraged to meet new audiences.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are interpreted", ensure the subject 'they' is clearly defined and that the context provides sufficient information about who is doing the interpreting. This clarity enhances the sentence's overall understandability and precision.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the pronoun 'they' has a clear and immediate antecedent. Without a defined subject, the sentence can become confusing, leaving the reader unsure of what is being interpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are interpreted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being understood or explained in a specific way. This usage aligns with Ludwig's observation of its widespread presence in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are interpreted" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive construction, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, fitting diverse contexts from scientific research to news reporting. Ludwig AI highlights that clarity is key when using this phrase; ensure that the subject "they" is clearly defined to prevent ambiguity. While alternatives like "they are understood" or "they are explained" exist, "they are interpreted" uniquely emphasizes the process of understanding or explaining something in a particular way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are understood

Focuses on comprehension rather than explanation.

they are construed

Implies a specific way of understanding or explaining.

they are explained

Highlights the act of clarification.

they are analyzed

Emphasizes a detailed examination.

they are viewed

Focuses on a particular perspective or opinion.

they are seen

Similar to 'viewed', but more general.

they are perceived

Highlights subjective understanding.

they are regarded

Emphasizes the value or status assigned.

they are taken to mean

Specifies the resulting interpretation or significance.

the interpretation is

Shifts the focus to the resulting explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "they are interpreted" in a sentence?

The phrase "they are interpreted" indicates how something is understood or explained. For example, "The data points "they are interpreted" as a sign of economic growth" shows how specific information is understood.

What phrases are similar to "they are interpreted"?

Similar phrases include "they are understood", "they are construed", or "they are explained", which offer alternative ways to express understanding or clarification.

Is it always necessary to specify who is doing the interpreting when using "they are interpreted"?

While not always required, specifying the interpreter can add clarity. If the interpreter is implied or widely understood, it can be omitted. However, for precision, especially in formal writing, specifying "by experts" or "according to current theory" clarifies the context of interpretation.

What's the difference between "they are interpreted" and "the interpretation is"?

"They are interpreted" focuses on the act of understanding or explaining, while "the interpretation is" emphasizes the result of that process. The first highlights how something comes to be understood, and the second highlights the understanding itself. "The interpretation is" more decisive and affirmative.