to interpret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to interpret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of understanding or giving the meaning of something. For example, "I am using my knowledge of foreign languages to interpret the ancient text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to interpret text?

The New York Times

We want you to interpret".

The New Yorker

To interpret the mortality statistics?

Independent

Some of it is hard to interpret.

The Economist

To interpret it badly?

Princeton University

Such polls are hard to interpret.

The Economist

One hesitates to try to interpret this.

The New Yorker

There are different ways to interpret this.

The New York Times

But the show was tough to interpret.

The New York Times

No two ways to interpret that.

The New York Times

Consequently, trade figures are difficult to interpret.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to interpret", consider the level of complexity involved in understanding the subject matter. Choose synonyms like "to explain" or "to clarify" for simpler concepts, and "to decipher" or "to analyze" for more complex ones.

Common error

Avoid using "to interpret" when a simpler action like "to read" or "to understand" suffices. Overusing "to interpret" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "I need to interpret the instructions", consider "I need to understand the instructions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to interpret" primarily functions as an infinitive verb, often used to express the purpose or intention of an action. Ludwig showcases numerous examples where it's used to describe the act of understanding or explaining something. This is reinforced by Ludwig AI, confirming its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

26%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to interpret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive verb phrase that conveys the act of understanding, explaining, or deciphering something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's versatile across various contexts, from formal academic papers to news articles, and even informal discussions. While synonyms like "to explain" or "to understand" can be used, "to interpret" is particularly useful when dealing with complex or ambiguous subjects. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to understand

Focuses on grasping the meaning or significance of something, rather than necessarily explaining it.

to explain

Emphasizes making something clear or understandable, often involving simplification.

to clarify

Highlights the removal of ambiguity or confusion, making something easier to understand.

to decipher

Suggests uncovering a hidden or obscure meaning, often from something difficult to read or understand.

to construe

Involves giving a particular meaning or interpretation to something, often with a specific viewpoint.

to analyze

Implies a detailed examination to understand the nature or meaning of something.

to translate

Specifically refers to converting something from one language or form to another, while maintaining meaning.

to render

Implies presenting or performing something in a particular way, often artistic or expressive.

to elucidate

Focuses on making something clear or easily understandable through detailed explanation.

to decode

Suggests converting something into an understandable form, similar to decipher but broader in application.

FAQs

How can I use "to interpret" in a sentence?

You can use "to interpret" when you want to express the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something. For instance, "The professor asked us "to interpret" the poem's symbolism".

What are some alternatives to "to interpret"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to understand", "to explain", or "to analyze". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "to interpret the data" or "interpreting the data"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "To interpret the data" is an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. "Interpreting the data" is a gerund phrase, which can function as a noun. For example, "To interpret the data, we used statistical software" versus "Interpreting the data required advanced skills."

What's the difference between "to interpret" and "to translate"?

"To interpret" refers to understanding and explaining the meaning of something, while "to translate" specifically means converting something from one language to another. You interpret a dream or a symbol, but you translate a text.