built as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the purpose of something or how something is constructed. For example, "The bridge was built as a connection between the two towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Villa residences are being built as well.

Forbes

The others need to be built as well.

Forbes

The anticipation built as the minutes passed.

The Washington Post

But it built as if it did.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not built as a concert hall.

The New York Times

Roskilde 6 was built as a warship.

The Guardian - Arts

"In 1846 this place was built as a hotel.

The New York Times

Tension is built as drums smash and the countdown proceeds.

The New Yorker

Even fewer may be built as homebuilding slumps.

The Economist

It was built as a drinking establishment entirely from scratch.

The New York Times

Three of the structures were built as sleeping quarters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "built as", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or original design of the subject. For example, "The stadium was built as a multi-purpose venue."

Common error

Avoid using "built as" when simply describing the materials used in construction. Instead of "The house was built as brick", use "The house was built with brick".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built as" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the purpose or intended function of something. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples where "built as" describes the original design or intended role of a structure or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "built as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construct used to define the intended purpose or function of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While "built as" is generally correct, be mindful to use "built with" when describing the material used. Consider alternatives like "designed as" or "created for" for subtle shifts in emphasis. "Built as" serves to clarify the original intent behind a design or creation, ensuring clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructed to be

Emphasizes the design and intent behind the construction.

designed as

Focuses on the original purpose and planning.

created for

Highlights the purpose for which something was made.

intended to be

Stresses the initial intention or function.

engineered as

Implies a more technical or precise construction.

fashioned into

Suggests a transformation or shaping process.

developed into

Highlights a gradual process of becoming.

made to function as

Focuses on the operational aspect.

structured as

Emphasizes the arrangement and organization.

conceptualized as

Highlights the initial idea or concept.

FAQs

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

Use "built as" to describe the original purpose or intended function of something. For instance, "The library was "originally built as" a community center".

What are some alternatives to "built as"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives such as "designed as", "constructed to be", or "created for".

Is it correct to say "built like" instead of "built as"?

While "built like" describes the physical appearance or resemblance, "built as" indicates the intended function or purpose. For example, "He was built like a tank" describes his physique, while "The facility was built as a hospital" describes its purpose.

What is the difference between "built as" and "built with"?

"Built as" refers to the intended purpose, while "built with" describes the materials or components used. "The structure was built as a fortress" indicates its purpose, whereas "The structure was built with stone" specifies the material.