built around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say: "The house was built around 1880."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was built around 1920.

The New Yorker

It's built around work.

The Guardian

He built around the talent that existed.

The New York Times - Sports

Theatres are built around those dreams".

The Guardian

Their teams were built around them.

The New York Times

The car is really built around you".

The New York Times

His identity is built around his prowess.

The New York Times

This particular house was built around 1830.

The New York Times

"This team is built around manufacturing runs.

The New York Times - Sports

Election turnout is built around excitement.

The New York Times

INSIDE: The house was built around 1890.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the core principle or structure of a system, use "built around" to clearly indicate the foundational element upon which everything else depends. For example: "The company's success is built around innovation and customer satisfaction."

Common error

Avoid using "built around" in overly passive constructions that obscure the active agent or designer. Instead of saying "The project was built around open-source software", specify who did the building: "The developers built the project around open-source software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built around" serves as a verbal phrase indicating the underlying structure or foundation of something. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing physical constructions, abstract concepts, and organizational strategies. The phrase emphasizes the central element around which other components are arranged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built around" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the foundational structure or core principle of something. Ludwig AI affirms this, highlighting its applicability across various contexts from physical constructions to abstract concepts. The phrase is frequently used in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating its broad acceptability and neutrality. When using "built around", ensure that you clearly identify the central element around which the structure is organized to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point, suggesting that something is derived from or reliant on it.

constructed around

Highlights the process of creation and assembly, emphasizing the building aspect.

centered on

Emphasizes a focal point or core element, suggesting a design or structure that revolves around it.

revolves around

Suggests that something is the central focus, and all actions or events are related to it.

founded upon

Suggests a solid and enduring base, implying a long-lasting structure.

organized around

Focuses on the arrangement and order, indicating a systematic approach.

structured upon

Implies a deliberate arrangement and organization, highlighting the planning involved.

developed from

Emphasizes the growth and evolution from a particular origin, showing progress and expansion.

predicated on

Indicates that something is affirmed or based on a particular premise, emphasizing a condition or assumption.

hinges on

Implies that everything depends on a crucial aspect, highlighting the critical importance of that aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "built around" to describe something that is fundamentally based on or structured around a particular idea, concept, or element. For example, "The curriculum is "built around" hands-on learning experiences."

What is a good alternative to "built around"?

Alternatives to "built around" include "based on", "centered on", or "structured upon". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "built on" or "built around"?

"Built on" typically refers to something being physically constructed on top of something else, or based on a principle or idea. "Built around" suggests that something is structured so that something else is at its center or is a key aspect of it. For example, a house is built on a foundation, while a strategy might be "built around" customer needs.

What does it mean when something is "built around" a person?

When a team or organization is "built around" a person, it means that the individual's skills, expertise, or presence are considered essential to the team's or organization's success, and structures are created to support or maximize their contribution.