built environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "built environment" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally refers to the human-made space in which people live, work, and play. For example, "The creation of smart cities is based on understanding and managing the built environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's such a built environment.

The New York Times

For services to architecture and the built environment.

The Guardian

"The silence shaped Beirut's built environment as well".

The Guardian

But the built environment too will be affected.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The spontaneous built environment is really our master," Lignano said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everything in the built environment was up for critique.

The New York Times

Her installations often explore notions of the built environment.

The New York Times - Arts

built environment.

Building and Environment

The built environment is always inhabited.

Procedia Engineering

Ten studies (12.7%) targeted the built environment.

Preventive Medicine

That is where our built environment can help.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of human activity on the physical world, use "built environment" to convey a comprehensive view that includes buildings, infrastructure, and spaces created or modified by humans.

Common error

Avoid using "built environment" as a catch-all phrase for all environmental concerns. It specifically refers to the human-made physical surroundings, not natural ecosystems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built environment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the physical surroundings constructed by humans. Examples include discussions of its impact on health or its features in urban planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "built environment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, referring to the human-made surroundings that shape our lives. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, with a stronger presence in scientific and news media sources. It is essential to use this term with precision, recognizing its specific reference to human-created spaces rather than the natural environment. Alternatives like "urban landscape" or "human-made environment" can be used depending on the context. Remember to avoid overly broad interpretations to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urban landscape

Focuses specifically on the visual and spatial characteristics of urban areas.

urban fabric

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and structural elements of a city.

human-made environment

Highlights the artificial, constructed nature of the surroundings, broadening the concept.

constructed world

Emphasizes the human effort and intention behind the creation of the physical space.

architectural space

Focuses on the design and planning aspects of buildings and structures.

infrastructure network

Highlights the systems and services that support human activity within a region.

settlement pattern

Describes the spatial distribution of human settlements and their organization.

urban infrastructure

Focuses on the systems that support urban environments, such as transport and utilities.

physical surroundings

A more general term encompassing the tangible elements of an area.

townscape

Focuses more on the visual elements and aesthetic appearance of a town or city.

FAQs

How is the phrase "built environment" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "built environment" is typically used as a noun phrase, often as the subject or object of a sentence, to refer to the human-made surroundings. For example, "The study examines the impact of the "built environment" on public health."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "built environment"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to the phrase "built environment" include "urban landscape", "urban fabric", or "human-made environment".

What aspects does the "built environment" encompass?

The "built environment" encompasses all the physical structures created or modified by humans, including buildings, roads, parks, and infrastructure. It shapes how we live, work, and interact with each other.

Is there a difference between the "built environment" and the natural environment?

Yes, the "built environment" refers specifically to the human-made physical surroundings, while the natural environment includes ecosystems and landscapes unaltered by humans. The two often interact and influence each other.