is built to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is built to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the purpose or design of an object, system, or concept, indicating that it has been constructed with a specific function in mind. Example: "This software is built to be user-friendly, ensuring that even beginners can navigate it easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The service is built to be as open as possible.

The New York Times - Tech

This offense is built to be run-first anyway.

The New York Times

One of the best bits about the Fairphone is that it is built to be repairable.

The Guardian - Tech

In practical terms, there are very few places to walk because the city is built to be navigated by cars.

The New York Times

But he revealed the key reason: "I think this place is built to be run by an artist, actually.

The Guardian

"It's an interesting challenge because you have an organization that is built to be a news wire, a news agency, to be fast.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The system was built to be inflexible.

The New Yorker

Both are built to be passive.

The New York Times - Arts

It's built to be manhandled".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's built to be here after you're gone.

The New York Times - Arts

He says "it was built to be a monument".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications or features, use "is built to be" to emphasize the inherent qualities or capabilities of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "is built to be" when a simpler verb construction would suffice. For instance, instead of "The app is built to be simple", consider "The app is simple" if the intent is to state a fact rather than a design intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is built to be" functions as a passive construction indicating the intended purpose or design of something. Ludwig AI shows it is commonly used to describe the characteristics a system or object has been engineered to possess. For example, "The system is built to be scalable".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is built to be" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express the intended purpose or design of an object, system, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, technology, and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "is designed to be" or "is intended to be" exist, "is built to be" effectively conveys that something was specifically constructed with a particular function in mind. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the design intention and isn't used redundantly in place of simpler descriptive verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is designed to be

Focuses on the planning and intention behind the design.

is intended to be

Emphasizes the purpose or goal for which something was created.

is meant to be

Highlights the expected or destined outcome.

is created to be

Focuses on the act of creation and its intended result.

is constructed to be

Emphasizes the process of building or assembling something.

is engineered to be

Highlights the technical design and precision involved.

is configured to be

Focuses on the arrangement and setup for a specific purpose.

is made to be

Simple and direct, emphasizing the inherent nature or purpose.

is purposed to be

Highlights the specific purpose for which something exists.

is optimized to be

Focuses on efficiency and achieving the best possible outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is built to be" to describe the intended function or purpose of something. For example, "This application "is built to be" user-friendly" indicates the application was designed with user-friendliness in mind.

What are some alternatives to "is built to be"?

Alternatives include "is designed to be", "is intended to be", or "is meant to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was built to be" instead of "is built to be"?

Yes, "was built to be" is the past tense form and should be used when referring to something that was designed or constructed in the past with a specific intention.

What's the difference between "is built to be" and "is designed to be"?

While similar, "is built to be" emphasizes the physical construction or assembly, whereas "is designed to be" focuses on the planning and intention behind the creation. Both can often be used interchangeably, but "is designed to be" might be preferred when discussing conceptual aspects.