he built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he built" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action performed by a male subject in the past, typically referring to the construction or creation of something. Example: "He built a treehouse for his children in the backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

WHY was he built?

The New York Times

He built another pond.

The New York Times

He built a business.

The New York Times

"He built daughters".

The New Yorker

He built that building.

The New Yorker

"He built," she said.

The New York Times

He built the stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

He built it".

The New Yorker

Oh: he built it.

The New Yorker

He built this program.

The New York Times - Sports

He built it himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural achievements or physical constructions, "he built" is a straightforward and clear choice. For more abstract creations, consider synonyms like "created" or "established".

Common error

Avoid turning active sentences with "he built" into passive constructions (e.g., "it was built by him"). Active voice generally makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he built" functions as a verb phrase in the past tense. Ludwig shows it describes an action completed by a male subject, typically involving construction or creation. It indicates that the subject was the one who performed the act of building.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he built" is a grammatically correct and common verb phrase used to describe the past action of a male subject who constructed or created something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as academic and business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose synonyms like "constructed" or "created" when appropriate. Avoiding the passive voice will also improve clarity and impact. As Ludwig demonstrates, "he built" is a versatile and effective phrase for describing acts of construction and creation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he constructed

Replaces "built" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of construction.

he created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, rather than just constructing it.

he established

Suggests the creation of something that endures or has a lasting impact.

he founded

Implies the creation of an organization or institution.

he assembled

Focuses on the process of putting together existing components.

he erected

Indicates the construction of something tall or imposing.

he put together

An informal way of saying "he built", suitable for casual contexts.

he fabricated

Suggests the creation of something, possibly with intricate detail or ingenuity.

he developed

Implies a gradual process of building or improving something over time.

he shaped

Conveys the idea of influencing the final form or character of something during its creation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "he built" is used to describe a male subject who has constructed or created something. For example, "He built a house", or "He built a successful company".

What can I say instead of "he built"?

Alternatives to "he built" include phrases like "he constructed", "he created", or "he established", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "he built" or "he was built"?

"He built" is in the active voice, indicating that he performed the action of building. "He was built" is in the passive voice, suggesting that someone or something else built him, which is usually nonsensical unless referring to a robot or similar concept.

What's the difference between "he built" and "he designed"?

"He built" emphasizes the physical act of construction, while "he designed" focuses on the planning and conceptualization of something. One can design a building but not necessarily build it, and vice versa. One could say "He designed the blueprint" and "he built the house."