that were built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to structures or objects that were constructed in the past. Example: "The houses that were built in the 1800s still stand today as a testament to the craftsmanship of that era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Policies that were built on budget recklessness.

The New York Times

50 wooden cars that were built in 1904.

The New Yorker

Communities that were built around a single profession were devastated.

The Economist

This private sector input improves upon traffic management models that were built on data from 2011.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We probably would have had to cut the number of helicopters that were built.

The New York Times

Some that were built to accommodate wheelchairs fall short, she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The more services that are built on top, the better.

Harvard University

Those that are built will probably be smaller, they said.

The New York Times

Tradition isn't something that is built overnight.

The Guardian - Sport

"Movies that are built on dialogue are TV shows.

The Guardian - Film

Don't support beachfront shops that are built illegally.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that were built" to clearly indicate a past construction or establishment. For example, when describing historical landmarks or infrastructure projects.

Common error

Avoid using "that are built" when referring to structures or systems completed in the past. Use "that were built" to maintain correct past tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were built" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about it. It introduces a clause that describes something constructed or created in the past. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that were built" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause used to describe things constructed or created in the past. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is primarily descriptive and applicable across a broad range of contexts, especially within news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. To ensure accurate and effective communication, remember to maintain correct tense and choose the most appropriate synonym based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This phrase appears often, so mastering its use is an asset to any writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were constructed

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the process of building.

that had been constructed

Emphasizes the completed action of construction prior to a specific point in time.

that were erected

Implies a more formal or monumental type of construction.

that were established

Focuses on the act of setting up or founding something, rather than physical construction.

that were created

A broader term, encompassing any form of making or bringing into existence.

that were designed

Highlights the planning and intention behind the creation.

that were manufactured

Specifically refers to items made in a factory or through an industrial process.

that were assembled

Suggests that the objects were put together from pre-existing parts.

that were fabricated

Implies the creation of something, often with the suggestion of deception or artificiality.

that were composed

Suggests that something is made up of different parts or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "that were built" in a sentence?

Use "that were built" to describe things constructed or created in the past. For example, "The houses "that were built" in the 1920s had a distinctive architectural style".

What are some alternatives to "that were built"?

You can use alternatives like "that were constructed", "that were erected", or "that were created" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was built" instead of "that were built"?

"That was built" is used with singular nouns, while "that were built" is used with plural nouns. For example, "The bridge that was built last year is now open", but "The houses "that were built" in that era are well-preserved".

What's the difference between "that were built" and "that had been built"?

"That were built" refers to a general past construction, while "that had been built" indicates that the construction occurred before a specific time in the past. The latter implies a more distant past, and is frequently used to stress the sequence of events.