previously built

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously built" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are refer to something that has already been built in the past. For example: "The town has a brand new library, but there was a library previously built on the same site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both had previously built and run websites and wanted to start their own business.

The Guardian

This ship, larger than any previously built, was a forerunner of today's ocean liners.

The New Yorker

(He previously built The Charlee, a 42-room hotel in Parque Lleras, an upscale district of Medellín).

The New York Times

The span — twice as long as any suspension bridge previously built — was completed below budget and ahead of schedule.

The New Yorker

The director previously built a village, Kustendorf, above the Mokra Gora valley in western Serbia, equipped with an underground basketball arena, a library and a cinema.

The Guardian - Books

But Robert Bunting (Letters, 24 July) perceptively shows how the last five years have moved the foundations on which the party has previously built its policies.

The Guardian

Six workers take 30 minutes to pull the goods down, moving cartons to storage rooms previously built on either side of the tunnel near the eye.

The New York Times

The X-Type is also made in England, but it rolls out of the robotic maw of a $450 million plant in Halewood, where Ford previously built the Escort.

The New York Times

Mr. Kerkorian, who previously built large stakes in G.M. and Chrysler, disclosed last month that he had acquired a 4.7percentt stake in Ford.

The New York Times

In addition, the Sentras intended for the United States market are being assembled in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where wages are low, instead of in Smyrna, Tenn., where it was previously built.

The New York Times

I.B.M.'s Compass has more neurons than any system previously built, but it still doesn't do anything with all those neurons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously built", ensure the context clearly indicates the time frame relative to the current situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "previously built" in contexts where the "previously" is already implied. For example, instead of saying "a previously built old house", consider just saying "a previously old house" or "the old house".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously built" functions as a past participle adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that has undergone the process of being built at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously built" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe something constructed in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts. It's important to ensure the context clearly defines the relevant timeframe. While alternatives like "already constructed" or "formerly erected" exist, "previously built" provides a clear and concise way to indicate prior construction. Common usage includes news articles and scientific publications, signaling its broad applicability. Be mindful of potential redundancy and always ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously constructed

Synonymous, emphasizing the act of construction in the past.

already constructed

Focuses on the state of being constructed prior to the current time, emphasizing completion.

prior built

Shorter and more direct, indicating something built before the current instance.

formerly erected

Uses a more formal verb, 'erected', highlighting the act of building or putting something up in the past.

pre-existing structure

Shifts the focus to the structure itself, emphasizing its existence before a certain time.

earlier built

Slightly less common phrasing, still conveying the idea of being built at an earlier time.

once built

Suggests that something was built at some point in the past, though perhaps not currently existing.

established earlier

Uses 'established' to broaden the meaning beyond physical construction, applicable to systems or organizations.

previously created

More generic; applies to anything created, not just physical structures.

beforehand built

Less common, emphasizes an action before a specific event.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously built" to describe something that was constructed or created before a specific point in time. For example, "The new bridge replaced a "previously built" structure that was deemed unsafe".

What is a good alternative to "previously built"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "already constructed", "formerly erected", or "prior built" can be used in place of "previously built".

Is there a difference between "previously built" and "newly built"?

Yes, "previously built" indicates something that was constructed at some point in the past, whereas "newly built" refers to something that has been recently constructed.

Can "previously built" apply to non-physical things?

While often used for physical structures, "previously built" can also apply to non-physical things like systems or models. For instance, "We are using a "previously built" learning model to analyze the data".