it was built as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was built as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the purpose or intention behind the construction of something, often followed by a specific function or role. Example: "The bridge was built as a means to connect the two towns and facilitate trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She described the telescope, which was the largest of its kind when it was built, as "an icon for science".

BBC

Although it was built as a family home its design was that of a medieval castle.

Wikipedia

It was built as a drinking establishment entirely from scratch.

The New York Times

"It was built as a one-time shot," she said.

The New York Times

It was built as a competitor to Boeing's 737 family, which has been running since 1968.

The New York Times

It was built as a co-op, but it also had rental units.

The New York Times

It was built as an architectural draft for the main Hagia Sophia to test new ideas.

The Guardian - Travel

It was built as a shrine, not as a large tourist attraction.

The New York Times

I think it was built as a manager's cottage in the 1940s".

The New York Times

It dates to the 1870's, when it was built as a three-family house.

The New York Times

It was built as a movie palace; it had not been a vaudeville house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was built as", ensure clarity about the subject being described and its intended purpose. For example, "The dam was built as a means to control flooding and generate hydroelectric power."

Common error

Avoid using "it was built as" when describing unintended or later adaptations. For instance, if a storage room was later used as an office, it's more accurate to say "it was adapted as an office" rather than "it was built as an office."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was built as" functions as a passive construction to describe the intended purpose or original design of a structure or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was built as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to describe the intended purpose or original design of a structure or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, wiki, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the subject and its intended use, and avoid applying it to purposes that deviate from the original design. Understanding its proper usage can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was designed as

Focuses on the initial design intention rather than the construction itself.

it was intended to be

Highlights the original intention or purpose behind the creation.

it was created for

Emphasizes the purpose for which something was brought into existence.

it was constructed for

Highlights the construction aspect with a specific purpose in mind.

it was made to be

Indicates the intended function or role that something was meant to fulfill.

it was purposed as

Highlights that the initial objective of a given thing was such and such.

it was conceived as

Emphasizes the initial idea or concept that led to the creation of something.

it was developed into

Indicates the original thing developed later into a different one.

it served as

This means that the original thing's role or function was of a certain nature.

it functioned as

Highlights the operational role or function of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was built as" in a sentence?

Use "it was built as" to describe the original intended purpose or function of a structure or object. For example, "The lighthouse was built as a navigational aid for ships."

What phrases are similar to "it was built as"?

Similar phrases include "it was designed as", "it was intended to be", and "it was created for", all of which emphasize the intended purpose.

Is there a difference between "it was built as" and "it was used as"?

"It was built as" describes the original intent behind the construction, while "it was used as" describes how something is currently utilized, even if it differs from its original purpose.

When is it incorrect to use "it was built as"?

It's incorrect to use "it was built as" when describing a purpose that was not part of the original design or construction. For instance, if a shed was built for storage but later used as a workshop, saying "it was used as" a workshop is more accurate.