was not built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not constructed or created in the past. Example: "The bridge was not built to withstand heavy traffic, leading to its early deterioration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

America was not built on hate".

The New York Times

This was not built for a bedsit.

The Guardian - Tech

Rome was not built in one day.

The Guardian

In the end, the casino was not built.

The New York Times

Faubion Elementary was not built for such growth.

The New York Times

"Rome was not built in a day," Hodgson said.

Independent

But of course, "Amadeus" was not built on Salieri's music.

The New York Times

The system was not built for such good news.

The New York Times

Rome, as they say, was not built in a day.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the mill was not built as a social hall.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney's foam-rubber ideology was not built for an electorate this rigid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not built", ensure the context clearly indicates what was intended to be built. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "was not built" when a simple 'was not' suffices. For example, instead of saying 'The idea was not built upon,' consider 'The idea was not developed' if you're referring to progress, not literal construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not built" functions as a passive construction indicating the absence of creation or construction. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use across diverse contexts, such as physical structures, systems, or abstract concepts that failed to materialize.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not built" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something was not constructed or created. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears across a wide spectrum of contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. The register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various communication needs. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly defines what "was not built" to prevent ambiguity. While "was not built" is generally accepted, it is important to note that it may not be appropriate in contexts where it is clear that 'built' implies more than physical construction. Therefore, you should use alternatives like "was not created" or "was not established" to ensure your message has the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was never constructed

Emphasizes the absence of construction at any point in the past.

was never erected

Similar to "was never constructed" but often used for buildings and structures.

was not fabricated

Highlights the lack of manufacturing or assembly.

was not assembled

Focuses on the absence of putting parts together.

remained unbuilt

Indicates that the intention to build existed, but was never realized.

was not created

A broader term indicating the absence of any form of creation.

did not come to fruition

Expresses that a plan or idea to build something failed to materialize.

was not developed

Focuses on the lack of progress from an initial idea to a finished product.

never materialized

Similar to "did not come to fruition", emphasizing the failure to become real.

was not established

Highlights the absence of founding or setting up a structure or system.

FAQs

How can I use "was not built" in a sentence?

You can use "was not built" to indicate that something was not constructed or created. For example, "The bridge "was not built" to withstand heavy traffic" or "The company "was not built" on a foundation of trust".

What's a more formal alternative to "was not built"?

More formal alternatives include "was never constructed" or "did not come to fruition". The choice depends on the specific context; "was never constructed" is suitable for physical structures, while "did not come to fruition" is better for plans or ideas.

Is it ever incorrect to use "was not built"?

While grammatically correct, "was not built" might be less appropriate in contexts where 'built' implies more than physical construction. In such cases, consider alternatives like "was not created" or "was not established".

What's the difference between "was not built" and "remained unbuilt"?

"Was not built" simply states a lack of construction. "Remained unbuilt" implies an initial intention or plan to build something that never materialized. For example, "The project "was not built" due to funding issues" versus "The planned extension "remained unbuilt" due to environmental concerns".