it was first built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was first built" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial construction of a building, structure, or object in a historical or descriptive context. Example: "The ancient temple, which still stands today, was first built over two thousand years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Forty-two years were required simply to lay its foundation when it was first built, because even then the Spaniards recognized the danger of constructing such a huge monument in soft soil.

Wikipedia

It was first built of wood in 1044, and its first stone walls date from the 14th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was first built in the 1880s and many of its components are now more than 100 years old, designed for 50 years of life.

Huffington Post

(It was first built in 1673).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"When it was first built, the vault was unadorned white.

The New York Times - Travel

When it was first built it had water features and landscaping.

The Guardian

(Unlike the others, it sits just where it was first built).

The New York Times

I planned to wax sympathetic on the history of THOMAS, and how little has changed since it was first built.

Cornell University

It was first built by Emperor Ashoka in 270 B.C. but later rebuilt by another ruler in the 5th century.

The New York Times

It was first built in 1939 by the city council; flights went to Croydon, Glasgow and Liverpool.

The Economist

"It's been important in terms of representing what the church was like when it was first built".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical sites or buildings, use "it was first built" to provide context about its origins, adding depth to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it was first built" when you need an active construction, such as describing who built it. Instead, use "[Builder] first built it" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was first built" functions as a passive construction, typically used to describe the origin or initial creation of a structure, system, or institution. Ludwig AI shows this construction is used to provide historical context or background information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was first built" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the initial construction or establishment of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability and neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide historical context or background information about the subject. While alternatives like "it was initially constructed" or "it was originally erected" exist, "it was first built" remains a clear and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initially constructed

Emphasizes the act of building or assembling something at the beginning.

it was originally erected

Highlights the act of setting something upright or constructing it in its original form.

it was initially established

Focuses on the act of founding or setting up something at the start.

it was first established

Highlights the primary action of something being set up initially.

it was originally created

Stresses the act of bringing something into existence at the beginning.

it was initially designed

Highlights the initial planning and purpose behind the creation of something.

it was first conceived

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

its original construction was

Rephrases to focus on the construction as a subject.

it saw its inception in

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the beginning or commencement of something.

its genesis was in

Highlights the origin or beginning of something in a literary or formal way.

FAQs

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

Use "it was first built" to describe the original construction or establishment of something, such as a building or institution. For example, "The library, "it was first built" in 1920, has undergone several renovations since then".

What are some alternatives to "it was first built"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was initially constructed", "it was originally erected", or "it was initially established", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it was first builded" instead of "it was first built"?

No, "it was first builded" is grammatically incorrect. The past participle of "build" is "built", so the correct phrasing is ""it was first built"".

What is the difference between "it was first built" and "it was rebuilt"?

"It was first built" refers to the original construction, while "it was rebuilt" indicates that the original structure was reconstructed or restored after damage or demolition.