built into

USAGE SUMMARY

"built into" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to convey the idea that something has been included as a component or feature of something larger. For example, "The security system has a camera built into it for added protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

built into it.

The New Yorker

Redundancy was built into every procedure.

The New York Times

A computer is built into the Lumizip.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stylist fees are built into their budgets.

The New York Times

Can that be built into online dating?

The New York Times - Magazine

Small bookshelves were built into the walls.

The New Yorker

"It's almost built into our DNA".

The New York Times

Our devices have legacies built into them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Guilty pleasure is built into the form.

The New Yorker

It is built into the urban psyche".

The New York Times

Variation was built into the music.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "built into" when you want to emphasize that a feature or function is an original, intended part of something, rather than added later.

Common error

Avoid using "built into" for purely abstract concepts where "inherent in" or "characteristic of" might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "Stress is built into the job", consider "Stress is inherent in the job."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built into" functions as a verb phrase, often in the passive voice, to indicate that something has been designed or included as an integral part of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "built into" is a commonly used verb phrase that correctly signifies a feature or quality that is an original, intended part of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase is found across numerous contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as integration ("integrated within") or inherent qualities. Avoiding overuse in purely abstract contexts can improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrated within

Emphasizes the integration or incorporation of something as part of a larger system or structure.

incorporated into

Focuses on the act of including something as a component of something else.

embedded within

Suggests that something is deeply and securely placed within something else.

included as part of

Highlights the fact that something is present or contained within something else.

inherent in

Implies that something is a natural and essential quality or characteristic.

a feature of

Highlights that something is an important or prominent attribute.

designed with

Focuses on the planning or intention behind including a specific element.

part and parcel of

Indicates that something is an essential and inseparable component.

hardwired into

Suggests that something is fundamentally and unchangeably part of a system.

an integral aspect of

Emphasizes that something is crucial and necessary to the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "built into" to describe a feature that is an original, intended part of something. For example: "The new phone has a fingerprint scanner "integrated within" its design."

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

Alternatives to "built into" include phrases like "integrated within", "incorporated into", or "embedded within", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "built in" instead of "built into"?

While "built-in" (with a hyphen) is often used as an adjective (e.g., "a built-in feature"), "built into" is typically used as a verb phrase. They serve different grammatical functions.

What does it mean when something is described as being "hardwired into" something else?

Saying something is "hardwired into" something else, like "hardwired into" our brains, suggests that it is a fundamental, innate, and difficult-to-change aspect.