are built to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are built to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the purpose or design of something, indicating that it was created for a specific function or capability. Example: "These machines are built to withstand extreme temperatures and operate efficiently in harsh environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those places are built to sing in.

The New York Times - Arts

IN JAPAN companies are built to last.

The Economist

"Institutions are built to last," she said.

The New York Times

But they are built to last.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These Jets are built to win now.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are built to be passive.

The New York Times - Arts

"These are built to last," says Turner.

The Guardian - Business

These two are built to last.

The New Yorker

Successful start-ups are built to scale.

The Guardian

Healthy forests are built to withstand severe natural disturbances.

The New York Times

These are built to handle four new MultiTouch gestures.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or systems, use "are built to" to highlight the underlying structure and intent.

Common error

Avoid using "are built to" when a simpler verb like "are" or "were" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "These boxes are built to hold books", you could say "These boxes hold books".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are built to" functions as a connector indicating purpose or intended function. It links a subject with the reason or capability for which it was created. Ludwig AI confirms that "are built to" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are built to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey the intended purpose or design of something. Ludwig AI confirms that "are built to" is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as ""are designed for"" and ""are intended to"" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in favor of simpler phrasing where appropriate, ensuring clarity and conciseness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are designed for

Focuses on the intention behind the creation, emphasizing the design aspect.

are intended to

Highlights the planned purpose or goal for which something was created.

are engineered for

Emphasizes the technical and precise construction with a specific purpose in mind.

are made for

A more general alternative, indicating suitability for a particular purpose.

are constructed to

Focuses on the process of building or assembling something with a specific aim.

are created for

Highlights the act of creation with a defined purpose.

serve to

Emphasizes the function or role something fulfills.

are purposed for

A more formal way of stating the intended use or goal.

function as

Highlights the operational role or capability of something.

are equipped to

Focuses on the features or tools that enable something to perform a specific task.

FAQs

How can I use "are built to" in a sentence?

Use "are built to" to describe the intended purpose or design of something. For example, "These computers "are built to handle" large datasets" or "The houses "are built to withstand" earthquakes".

What are some alternatives to "are built to"?

Alternatives include "are designed for", "are intended to", "are made for", or "serve to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are built for" or "are built to"?

"Are built to" emphasizes the purpose or intended function (e.g., "These walls "are built to protect""). "Are built for" emphasizes suitability or compatibility (e.g., "These shoes "are built for running""). The choice depends on what you want to highlight.

What does it mean when something is described as being "built to last"?

When something is described as being "built to last", it means it is designed and constructed with high-quality materials and techniques to ensure durability and a long lifespan. It implies resistance to wear and tear and the ability to withstand prolonged use, ensuring it "is designed for durability".