they are built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are built" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The houses in this neighborhood are built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they are built from historical data.

The New York Times

They are built up step by step.

The Economist

But they are built to last.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are built for speed.

The New York Times

Well, they are built for you.

The Guardian - Books

"Now they are built on shifting sands.

The Guardian

They are built on landfill, or reclaimed swamp.

The New Yorker

Let's hope they are built for trans-oceanic travel.

The Economist

They are built upon it like ancient burial grounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are built on posts with nothing underneath the house".

The New York Times

They are built, quite literally, on shifting sands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are built", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific subject to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "They are built to last", specify "These houses are built to last".

Common error

Avoid using "they are built" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The houses are built by the company", consider "The company builds the houses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are built" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group of items or entities has undergone the process of being constructed or created. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Examples show it describing physical structures, abstract systems, and even personal qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are built" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the construction or creation of various entities. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, with high frequency in news, scientific, and business publications. When using this phrase, ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear antecedent and consider whether active voice would be more direct. Related phrases include "they are constructed", "they are created", and "they are manufactured", each with slightly different connotations. The phrase's widespread use and straightforward meaning contribute to its expert rating of 4.5.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are constructed

Focuses on the action of building or assembling something.

they are manufactured

Emphasizes mass production or industrial creation.

they are created

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

they are designed

Focuses on the planning and intention behind the creation.

they are formed

Suggests a natural process of development or shaping.

they are assembled

Implies putting together pre-existing parts.

they are fabricated

Highlights the process of making something from raw materials, sometimes implying deception.

they are erected

Emphasizes the vertical construction or raising of something.

they are developed

Focuses on gradual growth and improvement over time.

they are composed

Indicates that something is made up of various elements or components.

FAQs

How can I use "they are built" in a sentence?

Use "they are built" to describe the construction or creation of multiple items. For example, "The bridges "they are built" to withstand strong winds."

What is an alternative to saying "they are built"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they are constructed", "they are created", or "they are manufactured", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "they are built"?

While "they are built" is grammatically correct in passive voice, active voice can sometimes be more direct and clearer. Consider if the actor is important; if so, use active voice (e.g., "Engineers build them").

What's the difference between "they are built" and "they were built"?

"They are built" indicates present tense, suggesting ongoing or habitual construction. "They were built" indicates past tense, referring to construction that occurred at a specific time in the past.