not built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has not been constructed or developed, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The project is not built to withstand extreme weather conditions, which could lead to significant damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Actually, it's not built in.

The New York Times - Tech

Prisons are not built.

The New York Times

We've not built tools ourselves since".

The Guardian

Yet home is not built that way.

The New York Times

America was not built on hate".

The New York Times

Wigan is not built to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am not built for swimming.

The New York Times

"I am not built for self-abnegation".

The New York Times - Books

"It's not built for hockey; it's not built for soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

The pool? "Is not built".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's not built-up as a network.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not built" to describe abstract concepts like relationships or systems, ensure the context clearly establishes what "building" would entail. For example, "Trust is not built overnight" clarifies that trust requires time and effort to develop.

Common error

Avoid using "not built" when a more active verb would be clearer. For instance, instead of "The house was not built well", consider "They did not build the house well" or "The house was poorly constructed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not built" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that something has not been constructed or developed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in both literal and figurative contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not built" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction widely used to indicate the absence of physical construction or a lack of inherent design for a specific purpose. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its frequency in news and media sources suggests broad accessibility. When using "not built", ensure the context clarifies what the construction or development would entail, and consider more active alternatives for clearer expression. The phrase is highly versatile and frequently employed, making it a valuable addition to your linguistic toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not constructed

Replaces "built" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of physical construction.

not designed

Shifts the focus to the absence of a deliberate plan or intention in creating something.

not made

A more general term indicating the absence of creation or assembly.

not suited

Highlights the lack of inherent compatibility or fitness for a specific use.

not intended

Focuses on the absence of a planned or purposed creation.

not equipped

Indicates a lack of necessary features or resources for a task or purpose.

not structured

Emphasizes the absence of a formal arrangement or organization.

not formed

Highlights the lack of development or shaping of something.

not developed

Focuses on the absence of growth or advancement.

not prepared

Indicates a lack of readiness or prior work.

FAQs

How can I use "not built" in a sentence?

The phrase "not built" is used to describe something that hasn't been physically constructed, or metaphorically developed. For example: "This tool is "not built for heavy use"" or "Our relationship is "not built on lies"".

What can I say instead of "not built"?

Alternatives to "not built" include "not constructed", "not designed", or "not suited", depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is it correct to say "was not built" or "wasn't built"?

Both "was not built" and "wasn't built" are grammatically correct. "Wasn't built" is a contraction of "was not built" and is more commonly used in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.

What's the difference between "not built" and "not build"?

"Not built" is the past participle form, used in passive constructions or with auxiliary verbs like "is", "was", or "has". "Not build" is the infinitive form, which is incorrect in most contexts where you would use "not built". For example, you would say "The house was "not built"", not "The house was not build".