they constructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they constructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of building or creating something, typically in the past tense. Example: "They constructed a new bridge to improve transportation in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They constructed a canon from a tricycle and baseball bat.

The New Yorker

It was like a boat that they constructed for us.

The Guardian

That's why they constructed the rule to defeat us".

The New York Times

"Do you want an ambulance?" one asked as they constructed a makeshift shelter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, over the next three years, they constructed their own, accumulating more than 200,000 titles.

The New York Times

From that information they constructed scenarios to train the entire staff.

The Guardian

They constructed elaborate scenarios that fit just about any theory of the crime.

The Guardian

Over the winter and into the early spring, they constructed a friendship.

The New Yorker

and they constructed stories to account for what had happened to people outside the family circle.

The New Yorker

In New York they constructed a subway station in a basement gallery.

The Guardian - Arts

They carefully compared the official hours series with one they constructed from surveys of employees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they constructed" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and skillful nature of the building or creation process. It's suitable for both physical structures and abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "they constructed" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "they built" or "they made" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they constructed" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of building or creating something. It emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they constructed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the creation or building of something, often implying deliberate effort and skill. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and more formal settings. While simpler alternatives exist, "they constructed" adds a layer of sophistication and precision to your writing. It's important to consider the context and audience to determine if a more common phrase like "they built" might be more appropriate. As shown by Ludwig's examples, "they constructed" is widely used and understood in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they built

Focuses on the physical act of building, emphasizing manual construction.

they created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence, often more abstract than physical construction.

they assembled

Highlights the process of putting together pre-existing components.

they formed

Suggests a gradual development or shaping of something.

they developed

Focuses on the process of growth or evolution into a more advanced state.

they manufactured

Specifically refers to the large-scale production of goods.

they devised

Implies the creation of a plan, system, or mechanism.

they designed

Focuses on the planning and conceptualization stages of creation.

they fabricated

Suggests creating something, possibly with deceit or falsification, depending on context.

they instituted

Implies establishing or setting up a system or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "they constructed" in a sentence?

You can use "they constructed" to describe the creation of physical objects, like "they constructed a bridge", or abstract concepts, like "they constructed a theory".

What are some alternatives to "they constructed"?

Alternatives include "they built", "they created", or "they assembled", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "they constructed" formal or informal?

"They constructed" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms may be preferable.

What's the difference between "they constructed" and "they built"?

While both describe creating something, "they constructed" often implies a more deliberate, complex, or skillful process than "they built". "They built" is a more general and widely applicable term.