there were built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were built" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a clear subject and context. Example: "In the ancient city, there were built many impressive structures."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 10 two-story houses there were built as stables in the 1850's and turned into town houses in the 1920's.

The New York Times

There were built new fatigue testing facilities especially for testing of full scale axles and wheels.

Procedia Engineering

In addition to reinforced concrete structure damages caused from especially last decade's earthquakes, there were built structures most of which are unable to carry their own-weight and are not appropriate to engineering and design criteria because of lack of interest, ignorance, lack of inspection and supervision in Turkey.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

An earlier version of this post misstated the amount of forestland that researchers say could be submerged in the Himalayas if proposed dams there are built.

The New York Times

The architecture there was built 400 to 500 years ago, and since then it's been preserved and enhanced.

Forbes

Everything there is built on an epic, almost pharaonic scale.

The New Yorker

The Dolman operation on West End Avenue continued no later than 1948, when the public school now there was built.

The New York Times

Our first home there was built in 1752 by one of the founders of the city's carpenters' guild.

The New York Times

But an awful lot of what you see there was built - or rebuilt - in the 20th Century.

BBC

But more than half of all mobile games built for there are built in Unity.

TechCrunch

Roads over there are built better, too (a 70-centimeter roadbed versus 28 centimeters in the U.S). and are better maintained.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "there were built" as it often leads to awkward and grammatically weak sentences. Instead, restructure your sentence to clearly identify the subject and use a more direct passive construction like "the houses were built".

Common error

Don't start sentences with "there were built" when you can directly state what was built. This inversion obscures the subject and weakens the sentence. For example, instead of "there were built many houses", write "many houses were built".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were built" attempts to function as a passive construction, indicating that something was constructed. However, it often lacks a clear subject, leading to grammatical awkwardness, as indicated by Ludwig. A clearer passive voice is generally preferred.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there were built" is grammatically questionable in standard English due to its awkward phrasing and lack of a clear subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it is better to use a clearer passive voice construction. While it may appear in some informal contexts, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal or professional writing. Common errors involve subject-verb inversion, and clearer alternatives like "structures were constructed" or "buildings were erected" are recommended. Key sources include The New York Times and Forbes, but the rarity of correct usage underscores the need for careful phrasing. Overall, focusing on clarity and directness in sentence structure will lead to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structures were constructed

Emphasizes construction but uses a passive voice with a clearer subject.

certain buildings were erected

Utilizes a more formal tone, emphasizing the deliberate action of building.

new buildings arose

Uses a more active voice and implies a sense of development.

the construction took place

Focuses on the act of building, using a noun-based construction.

infrastructure was developed

Focuses on infrastructural improvements and advancements.

buildings came into existence

Describes the emergence of structures in a more descriptive manner.

establishment of infrastructure occurred

Highlights infrastructure development, focusing on formal construction.

many edifices stood tall

Focuses on the presence and prominence of buildings.

the city's architecture expanded

Highlights the growth and development of architectural features.

the skyline transformed with new constructions

Emphasizes the visual impact of building developments.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that starts with "there were built"?

You can rephrase by directly stating the subject that was built. For example, instead of "there were built many houses", try "many houses were built" or "the houses were constructed".

What's wrong with using the phrase "there were built"?

The phrase often leads to grammatically awkward sentences because it obscures the subject. It's better to use a clearer passive voice construction, such as "the buildings were constructed".

Are there situations where "there were built" is acceptable?

While technically incorrect in standard English, it might appear in informal contexts or non-native writing. However, it's always best to rephrase for clarity and grammatical correctness using constructions like "structures were constructed".

What are some alternatives to "there were built" for formal writing?

For formal writing, consider alternatives like "certain buildings were erected", or "infrastructure was developed". These options provide greater clarity and grammatical strength.