interpretation of + text/event
Explaining meaning
This is the standard pattern for analysing meaning or significance.
His interpretation of the law was controversial.
How to use prepositions with interpretation
Interpretation is commonly followed by of when referring to the meaning of something. To interpretation appears mainly in phrases such as open to interpretation.
Quick answer
Common prepositions with interpretation
Use interpretation of something for explaining meaning. Open to interpretation means unclear or flexible in meaning. The phrase to interpretation alone is not usually idiomatic.
Her interpretation of the poem was original.
The rule is open to interpretation.
Different interpretations of the data are possible.
The rule is open to interpretation.
Different interpretations of the data are possible.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
open to interpretation
Describing ambiguity
Use this phrase when something can be understood in different ways.
The statement is open to interpretation.
interpretation by + person
Naming the interpreter
Use by to identify who created the interpretation.
The painting includes an interpretation by a local artist.
different interpretations of + noun
Comparing meanings
Use the plural form for multiple possible meanings or analyses.
Scholars offered different interpretations of the document.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
interpretation of
Her interpretation of the results was persuasive.
standard expression for explaining meaning
to interpretation
The wording is open to interpretation.
used mainly in the fixed phrase open to interpretation
interpretation by
The interpretation by the conductor was energetic.
identifies the person giving the interpretation
interpretation for
The guide provided interpretation for visitors.
for introduces the audience or purpose, not the content interpreted
interpretation in
There are differences in interpretation across cultures.
in introduces an area or context
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using to interpretation directly
To interpretation is not normally used alone.
✕ They gave a new meaning to interpretation the text. ✓ They gave a new interpretation of the text.Omitting of after interpretation
Interpretation usually takes of before the thing being interpreted.
✕ Her interpretation the novel was unusual. ✓ Her interpretation of the novel was unusual.Confusing open to interpretation
This fixed phrase describes ambiguity.
✕ The message was open of interpretation. ✓ The message was open to interpretation.Using for instead of of
Use interpretation of for meanings and analysis.
✕ His interpretation for the poem was interesting. ✓ His interpretation of the poem was interesting.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Her interpretation ___ the painting impressed the audience.
2. The instructions are open ___ interpretation.
3. The interpretation ___ the actor changed the mood of the play.
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Frequently asked questions
What preposition usually follows interpretation?
The most common pattern is interpretation of something.
Is to interpretation correct?
Usually only inside the fixed phrase open to interpretation.
Can interpretation be followed by by?
Yes. Interpretation by someone identifies who created or performed the interpretation.
Related preposition guides
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