erect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "erect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is upright and vertical, or as a verb to indicate the act of erecting something. Example: "The workers erected a new fence around the perimeter of the property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will never need to erect a monument in Manchester to the man.

The Guardian - Sport

Erect in his seat in a north London pub, his slim 6ft 5in wrapped in layers of fitted menswear, Blake drinks a coffee and indulges in that great British pleasure: the meandering, recreational moan.

The Guardian - Music

A letter to the Times the following year raised vociferous complaint about plans to erect pylons across the Sussex Downs and was signed by figures such as John Maynard Keynes and Rudyard Kipling.

The Guardian

I didn't know that the first approved showing of an erect penis was in Pasolini's Theorem in 1968 (it did not belong to the film's star, Terence Stamp), nor that the first flash of female pubic hair allowed was in Antonioni's Blow-Up (1966).

The Guardian - Film

The younger driver's parents have been given permission to erect a small memorial plaque at the spot.

The Guardian - Sport

It is building an online audience because Advance is one of the few US chains not to erect a paywall.

The Guardian

And since the festival introduced the kind of fence that Texans would be proud to erect along the Mexican border, it has changed significantly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Appalling fashions and hairstyles include "double denim" (often regarded as a breach of fashion etiquette); self-explanatory "chandelier earrings"; flatforms (a flat shoe with a high, thick sole); and fauxhawks (a hairstyle in which a section of hair running from the front to the back of the head stands erect).

The Guardian

Beyond the conflict in Ukraine and crumbling economy (both of which dominate the national news agenda), one story that shook Moscow recently was the planned statue of St Vladimir – medieval baptiser of ancient Rus – which the city's authorities plan to erect atop the spectacular Sparrow Hills.

The Guardian

In Nicola Sturgeon's south Glasgow heartland, they are raising money to erect a statue of one of her heroines, a great campaigner of the Labour party who has been all but forgotten.

The Guardian

As dusk fell, he taught me useful knots, how to erect a tarpaulin and how to make fire in nine different ways (without matches or lighters).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erect", consider the formality of your context. It is suitable for formal writing or when describing the construction of significant structures. For informal situations, consider alternatives like "build" or "put up".

Common error

Avoid using "erect" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even humorous depending on the context. Choose more common alternatives like "build" or "set up" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "erect" functions as both a transitive verb, meaning to build or construct something, and as an adjective, describing something that is upright or vertical. Ludwig's AI affirms its correctness for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "erect" serves dual roles as a verb and adjective, signifying the act of building or the state of being upright. While grammatically sound and verified by Ludwig, its formality should be considered. As highlighted by Ludwig, "erect" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts like news, business, and scientific publications. However, in casual settings, synonyms like "build" or "set up" may be more appropriate, ensuring clarity and avoiding unintended formality. Top sources like The Economist and The Guardian frequently employ "erect", underscoring its prominence in reputable media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construct

Similar to "build" but implies a more complex or formal construction.

build

Focuses on the construction aspect, less formal than "erect".

put up

A more informal way to say "erect", often used for simple structures.

set up

Emphasizes establishing something, often quickly or temporarily.

raise

Highlights the action of lifting or bringing something to a higher position.

rear

Implies lifting or building something, often used in a historical or literary context.

establish

Focuses on founding or instituting something, typically an organization or system.

upright

Describes the state of being vertical or standing straight.

vertical

Refers to something aligned with the direction of gravity, emphasizing its orientation.

standing tall

Suggests not only physical uprightness but also pride or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "erect" in a sentence?

"Erect" can be used as a verb meaning to build or construct, as in "They plan to erect a monument in the park". It can also be used as an adjective meaning upright or vertical, as in "The building stood erect despite the storm".

What are some synonyms for "erect"?

Synonyms for "erect" include "build", "construct", "raise", "set up", and "establish". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "erect" in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "erect" is generally more formal. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "put up" or "build" to avoid sounding overly formal.

What is the difference between "erect" and "establish"?

"Erect" typically refers to the physical construction or raising of something, while "establish" usually means to found or set up something like an organization or system.