could have built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have built" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a possibility or hypothetical situation in the past regarding construction or creation. Example: "If we had more resources, we could have built a better facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He could have built the gateway.

The New Yorker

Dombrowski, perhaps, could have built a stronger bullpen.

The New York Times - Sports

The Blue Devils could have built off that.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps so, but he could have built this place anywhere.

The New York Times

"I could have built this for $850 million," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The police could have built a case despite her.

The New York Times - Magazine

CRS says it could have built 150 more had Israel not barred most wood imports.

Independent

"With all the technology available today, they could have built a kiosk," Kendall said.

The New York Times - Sports

In time, perhaps, he could have built a strong relationship with another management team.

The New York Times - Sports

People seem to like the place.Walt Disney could have built his biggest theme park anywhere.

The Economist

We could have built on the North Side or the suburbs, but this is home".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "could have built" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify what could have been built: "They could have built a school."

Common error

Avoid using "could of built" which is a common misspelling. The correct form is "could have built".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have built" functions as a modal verb construction expressing past possibility or potential. It indicates that an action (building something) was possible but did not occur. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could have built" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express past possibilities that did not materialize. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, indicating hypothetical scenarios or missed opportunities. To use it effectively, ensure the context is clear and avoid common errors like "could of built". Consider alternatives such as "might have constructed" or "were capable of constructing" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding these aspects will help you leverage "could have built" with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have constructed

This alternative uses "might" instead of "could", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty or possibility.

were capable of constructing

This alternative replaces the modal verb with a phrase emphasizing the ability to construct.

would have been able to build

This alternative uses "would have been able", emphasizing the ability if circumstances had been different.

had the potential to construct

This alternative highlights the potential rather than the actual act of building.

could have erected

This alternative uses the word "erected" which can imply a more formal or significant construction.

were in a position to build

This alternative focuses on the circumstances or situation that allowed building.

had the opportunity to build

This alternative focuses on the availability of an opportunity to build.

could have assembled

This alternative uses the word "assembled" implying a construction made of different pieces.

were able to put up

This alternative is less formal and implies a simpler, quicker construction.

might have put together

This alternative is informal and implies that the construction is simple.

FAQs

How can I use "could have built" in a sentence?

Use "could have built" to describe something that was possible in the past but did not happen. For instance, "If they had secured funding, they "could have built" a community center".

What are some alternatives to "could have built"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "might have constructed", "were capable of constructing", or "would have been able to build".

Is it correct to say "could of built" instead of "could have built"?

No, "could of built" is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "could have built". "Have" is often contracted to "'ve" in speech, which might lead to the error in writing.

What's the difference between "could have built" and "were able to build"?

"Could have built" implies a possibility that wasn't realized, while "were able to build" suggests the ability was present and the action was actually carried out or was certain to be carried out. For example, "They could have built a bridge, but they didn't get the permits" vs. "They were able to build the bridge after securing the permits".