was built on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was built on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the foundation or basis of something, often referring to ideas, principles, or physical structures. Example: "The success of the project was built on a strong team collaboration and innovative ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But this one was built on one.

BBC

It was built on books.

The New York Times - Arts

This country was built on immigration.

The New York Times

American realism was built on that foundation.

The New Yorker

His reputation was built on such stocks.

The New York Times

His Weltanschauung was built on doubt.

The Economist

That's if every surface was built on.

The New York Times

The tower was built on speculation.

The New York Times

Oxford was built on a swamp.

The Guardian

America was built on such things.

The New York Times - Sports

WorldCom was built on serving business customers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was built on", ensure the foundation or basis you are referring to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you mean a conceptual basis, a physical structure, or a set of principles.

Common error

A common mistake is to attribute the success or development of something to a superficial factor, rather than the fundamental principle or element it "was built on". Always dig deeper to identify the true, underlying foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was built on" functions as a passive construction indicating the foundation or basis of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to describe the underlying principles or components upon which something is established or developed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was built on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the foundation or basis of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit various contexts, although it's most prevalent in news and media. When using the phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the foundation is well-defined. Alternatives such as "was founded upon" or "was based on" can be used to add nuance. Overall, "was built on" is a reliable and effective way to express the underlying structure or principles of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was founded upon

Emphasizes the establishment of something on a particular principle or idea, similar to "was built on" but focuses more on initial creation.

was based upon

Highlights the underlying principles or information that something relies on, similar to "was built on" in conveying dependence.

was constructed upon

Focuses on the process of creating something step by step, with each step relying on the previous one.

was predicated on

Indicates that something is affirmed or based on a particular condition or assumption, adding a layer of dependence.

was reliant on

Highlights the dependence on something else for support or success, shifting the focus to the supporting element.

was dependent on

Similar to "was reliant on", emphasizing the necessity of something for proper functioning or existence.

was grounded in

Focuses on the deep roots or fundamental principles that something is based on, adding a sense of stability.

was established on

Highlights the creation or foundation of something on a specific idea, principle, or system.

was developed from

Suggests that something grew or evolved from a specific origin or foundation, focusing on the process of development.

was derived from

Indicates that something originated or was obtained from a specific source or foundation, emphasizing the source of origin.

FAQs

How can I use "was built on" in a sentence?

You can use "was built on" to describe the foundation or basis of something. For example: "The company's success "was built on" innovation and customer service."

What are some alternatives to "was built on"?

Alternatives include "was founded upon", "was based upon", or "was predicated on", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was based on" or "was built on"?

Both phrases are correct, but "was based on" often implies a reliance on information or evidence, while "was built on" can suggest a more structural or foundational reliance. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "was built on" and "was constructed on"?

"Was built on" generally refers to the underlying principles or ideas, while "was constructed on" typically refers to the physical or systematic creation process. For example, "The theory "was built on" solid evidence", versus "The bridge "was constructed on" a series of reinforced pillars".