Question
20 January
- Japanese
-
English (US)
Question about English (US)
Which is correct?
1. I interpret she is angry.
2. I have interpreted she is angry.
What I would like to say is that I understand she is angry right now. I have always used the verb interpret in a second way, but I thought I should check if the use of it is correct.
Which is correct?
1. I interpret she is angry.
2. I have interpreted she is angry.
What I would like to say is that I understand she is angry right now. I have always used the verb interpret in a second way, but I thought I should check if the use of it is correct.
1. I interpret she is angry.
2. I have interpreted she is angry.
What I would like to say is that I understand she is angry right now. I have always used the verb interpret in a second way, but I thought I should check if the use of it is correct.
Answers
When you "disagree" with an answer
The owner of it will not be notified.
Only the user who asked this question will see who disagreed with this answer.
20 January
Featured answer
- English (US)
Neither sentence is natural. Usually you need a direct object when you use interpret.
"I interpreted that look on her face to mean that she is angry."
"I interpreted her response to mean that she is angry."
You are using interpret to mean understand or deduce, buy it is used a little differently.
Highly-rated answerer
Read more comments
- English (US)
Neither sentence is natural. Usually you need a direct object when you use interpret.
"I interpreted that look on her face to mean that she is angry."
"I interpreted her response to mean that she is angry."
You are using interpret to mean understand or deduce, buy it is used a little differently.
Highly-rated answerer
- Japanese
@MetRon
Hmm, I see. It is usually used in the past tense.
Thank you for the correction! I appreciate it!
Hmm, I see. It is usually used in the past tense.
Thank you for the correction! I appreciate it!
- English (US)
No, these aren’t correct.
❌ ”(Someone) interprets (conclusion).”
✅1. ”(Someone) interprets (something) to mean (conclusion).”
✅2. ”(Someone) interprets (something).”
#1
“I interpreted her behavior to mean she is angry.”
“I interpreted her tone of voice to mean she is angry.”
#2 is used with things but not people. So you wouldn’t use it in your example, but here are some examples:
“She can interpret dreams.”
“I need a doctor to interpret the results.”
You can also say:
“My interpretation is that she is angry.”
But if you say this, it sounds like you’re discussing a character in a book, not a real person.
Highly-rated answerer
- Japanese
@Anivia
Thank you for the details and example sentences! That is easy to understand!
I completely understand. I appreciate it!
Thank you for the details and example sentences! That is easy to understand!
I completely understand. I appreciate it!
- English (US)
@Ochan Yes, it is usually used in the past tense, but it is OK to use the present. It is just less common because it refers to the immediate present (in this moment).
"My wife is staring at me oddly. I wonder why?"
You can reply "I interpret that look on her face to mean that she is angry."
"I wonder why María is going on and on about my suggestion?"
You can reply "I interpret her response to mean that she is angry."
Highly-rated answerer
- Japanese
@MetRon
Hmm, I see. Interpret can be used in the past tense, but it's less common. I have learned a lot of new things through this question. I will be able to use the word correctly from next time.
Thank you for the details and your help! I appreciate it!
Hmm, I see. Interpret can be used in the past tense, but it's less common. I have learned a lot of new things through this question. I will be able to use the word correctly from next time.
Thank you for the details and your help! I appreciate it!
- English (US)
@Ochan No, the past tense is more common than the present for "interpret". But both are natural and used.
Highly-rated answerer
- Japanese
@MetRon
Ah! Never mind! I made a mistake. I wanted to say "can be used in the PRESENT tense" haha that's probably because I have been reading the reply. Thank you for pointing out the mistake!
Ah! Never mind! I made a mistake. I wanted to say "can be used in the PRESENT tense" haha that's probably because I have been reading the reply. Thank you for pointing out the mistake!
[News] Hey you! The one learning a language!
Do you know how to improve your language skills❓ All you have to do is have your writing corrected by a native speaker!
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.
Sign up
Similar questions
- Which his right leg was bitten through by the shark. sounds the most natural?
- What is the difference between right and correct ?
- What is the difference between I'll be right there. and I'll be right over. ?
Newest Questions
- Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old Russian tank commander has pleaded guilty to killing an unarmed ...
- ?when can I say this sentence what are you going to have
- What does the following audio clip say?
- Is this natural? What time are we supposed to have it? (it = a meeting)
- Is this natural? You've prepared a lot. You've prepared a lot for this meeting.
Topic Questions
- Does “Game on” mean “the game started” or “the game is going on”?
- The word *arrogance is apparently negative How about the word *pride ? Could it be used in th...
- Why did he say "do us proud" instead of "make us proud"
- Which sounds more natural? 1. Don’t forget to lock up your valuables. 2. Don’t forget to lock awa...
- Does this sound natural? “200 people were present at the meeting on that day.”
Recommended Questions
- How to respond to "I hope you are doing well"?
- what should I answer with "How's your day?" "How's It going?" example plz can I say "pretty good"?
- If you are not the correct person, please direct me the correct one. Does this sentence sound nat...
- Please let me know your convenient time. Is this message polite for own manager?
- Which one is correct ? "thank you for checking up on me" or "checking in on me"? And is it a pro...
Previous question/ Next question
What’s this symbol?
The Language Level symbol shows a user's proficiency in the languages they're interested in. Setting your Language Level helps other users provide you with answers that aren't too complex or too simple.
-
Beginner
Has difficulty understanding even short answers in this language.
-
Beginner-Intermediate
Can ask simple questions and can understand simple answers.
-
Intermediate
Can ask all types of general questions and can understand longer answers.
-
Advanced
Can understand long, complex answers.
Sign up for premium, and you can play other user's audio/video answers.
Tired of searching? HiNative can help you find that answer you're looking for.
