once built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once built" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a structure that has been built in the past, that is no longer being built or that is no longer standing. For example, "The castle was once built to protect the kingdom from invaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Missouri, were once built.

The New York Times

He once built his own robot.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem comes later; once built and populated, camps stay.

The New York Times

However, once built, they are extremely cheap to run.

The Economist

Once built, high-speed-rail systems would face a dilemma.

The Washington Post

The place with the playground name once built cathedrals.

The Guardian

The threat to use a weapon once built?

The New York Times

My college roommate Aaron once built a 12-inch statue of Jesus being crucified.

The New York Times

Once built, the new lines are expected to span more than 2,300 miles.

The New York Times

Once built, Herod's tomb will even be visible from Jerusalem, more than 11 kilometers away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These QSAR models, once built, are used to predict values for the structural content (DTXCIDs).

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once built", clearly define what 'it' refers to. Ensure that the subject of the sentence is easily identifiable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing "once built" too far from the noun it modifies. This can lead to confusion about what the phrase is describing. Keep it close to the subject for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once built" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition or state that occurs after the completion of a construction process. It modifies the main clause by specifying when the action or state described by the main clause takes place. Ludwig confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once built" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates a state or condition following a construction or creation. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It functions to establish a temporal relationship, highlighting what happens after something is built. Primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, its neutral tone makes it versatile for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining what exactly has been "built" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Once completed

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the state of being finished.

After having been built

More verbose but emphasizes the past completion of the building process.

After construction

Focuses on the temporal sequence following the building process.

Now that it is constructed

Shifts focus to the present state after construction.

Upon completion

Emphasizes the finished state of the construction.

Post-construction

Highlights the period following the building phase.

With construction finalized

Highlights the finalization of the building process.

Following its erection

More formal and emphasizes the act of erecting a structure.

In its built form

Focuses on the state or appearance of something after it has been built.

Subsequent to construction

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

FAQs

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

Use "once built" to describe a state or condition that exists after a structure or system has been completed. For example, "Once built, the bridge will connect the two cities".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "once built"?

Alternatives include "after construction", "upon completion", or "post-construction". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is it correct to say "once building" instead of "once built"?

No, "once building" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "once built", using the past participle of the verb 'to build'.

What's the difference between "once built" and "newly built"?

"Once built" refers to a point in time after construction is complete, implying a duration of existence. "Newly built" emphasizes the recent completion of construction.