I have built

USAGE SUMMARY

"I have built" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to something in the past that you have done. For example, "I have built a strong relationship with my coworkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have built it myself.

The New York Times

I have built thousands of shelters for people in need.

The Guardian

I have built my world through Native American mythology.

The Guardian - Music

I have built incredible relationships with those fighters.

The Guardian - Sport

'Over the years I have built up the access.

The Guardian

I have built a house out of the lights.

The Guardian

But I have a history with you, a record that I have built over a lifetime.

The New Yorker

I have visited over 1,000 potential sites, 30 of which I have built.

Independent

After 43 years, leaving everything I have built, it's not easy.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have built the model that includes all four filters and tested it.

Stanford University

Remember this, I have built up — we're getting $57 billion more for the military.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have built", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was built and its significance. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid replacing active constructions like "I have built" with passive alternatives such as "it was built by me". The active voice is generally more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have built" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. According to Ludwig, it indicates an action completed at an unspecified time in the past, with relevance to the present. It's used to express accomplishments, creations, or constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have built" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English, serving to express past accomplishments with present relevance. As noted by Ludwig, this construction is quite versatile. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register allows for seamless integration across various formal and informal settings. When writing, be mindful of clearly stating what you have built for maximum impact. While passive voice should be avoided where possible in favour of active. Overall, the phrase is a strong and effective way to highlight completed achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have constructed

Uses a more formal verb emphasizing the act of putting something together systematically.

I have created

Emphasizes bringing something new into existence.

I have established

Highlights setting up something on a firm or permanent basis.

I have developed

Focuses on gradual growth and advancement over time.

I have formed

Suggests bringing something into a particular shape or condition.

I have assembled

Highlights gathering components to build a whole.

I have produced

Emphasizes the outcome or result of effort.

I have fabricated

Implies constructing something, potentially with inventiveness or deception.

I have erected

Suggests building something tall or imposing.

I have put together

A more informal way of saying "I have built", suitable for casual contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "I have built" in a sentence?

Use "I have built" to describe something you have created or established, like "I have built a successful business" or "I have built a strong relationship with my colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "I have built"?

You can use alternatives like "I have created", "I have established", or "I have developed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I built" or "I have built"?

"I built" (simple past) refers to a completed action in the past. "I have built" (present perfect) emphasizes the result or connection to the present. For example, "I built this house last year" vs "I have built a reputation for excellence".

What is the difference between "I have built" and "I am building"?

"I have built" indicates completion, while "I am building" (present continuous) indicates an ongoing action. For example, "I have built a website" means it is finished, whereas "I am building a website" means it is still in progress.