built to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the purpose or design of an object, indicating that it was created for a specific function or task. Example: "This software is built to enhance productivity and streamline workflows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm built to adjust".

The New York Times - Sports

We're built to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Built to last.

The New Yorker

He was built to win.

The New York Times

We're built to do it.

The New Yorker

"They were built to order.

The New York Times

They were built to last.

The New Yorker

Those places are built to sing in.

The New York Times - Arts

Davis seems built to go it alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

IN JAPAN companies are built to last.

The Economist

The system was built to be inflexible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intended function of a system or product, use "built to" to clearly communicate its primary purpose. For instance, "This application is "built to" streamline data analysis."

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice when using "built to". Instead of saying, "The system was "built to" be scalable," opt for the active voice: "We "built to" system to be scalable," for a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built to" primarily functions as a purpose connector, indicating the reason or intention behind the construction or design of something. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It links a subject to its intended function, as seen in examples like "We're built to do it" or "The system was built to be inflexible."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the intended purpose or design of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it functions primarily as a purpose connector, explaining why something was created or constructed in a particular way. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases like "designed for" or "intended to" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired. In summary, "built to" is a versatile and reliable phrase for clearly communicating the intended function or capability of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed for

Focuses on the intended purpose or function something was created to fulfill.

intended to

Emphasizes the planned or purposed function or result.

made for

Highlights the creation of something with a specific goal in mind.

engineered for

Suggests a more technical or precise design with a specific outcome.

constructed for

Focuses on the act of building or assembling something for a particular use.

created to

Highlights the act of creation with a specific objective.

developed for

Implies a process of improvement and refinement towards a specific goal.

optimized for

Focuses on achieving the best possible performance for a specific task.

tailored to

Indicates a customized design to fit specific needs or requirements.

suited for

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "built to" is used to describe the intended function or design of something. For example, "This application is "built to" streamline data analysis", or "The bridge was "built to" withstand high winds".

What are some alternatives to "built to"?

Some alternatives to "built to" include "designed for", "intended to", or "made for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

When something is described as "built to last", it means it's designed and constructed with high-quality materials and robust engineering to ensure it has a long lifespan and can withstand wear and tear.

Is it correct to say something is "built for" a specific purpose instead of "built to"?

While "built to" is more commonly used to express purpose or intention, "built for" can also be correct, especially when emphasizing suitability. "Built to" focuses more on the intended function, while "built for" emphasizes that it is suitable or appropriate for a certain goal.