was originally built

USAGE SUMMARY

'was originally built' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing the origin of something. For example, "The Leaning Tower of Pisa was originally built in the 12th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, Qik was originally built for live video streaming.

The New York Times - Tech

PERSONAL SPACES: The compound was originally built as a retreat.

The New York Times

The estate was originally built for the military.

The Guardian

It was originally built as a Huguenot chapel in 1742.

The Guardian - Books

And this system was originally built by Ron Evans at Scripps.

Cornell University

It was originally built for the Jesuits, and was restored as a parish church in 1802.

Independent

The Kymenlaakso Museum, 10 mi (16 km) northwest, was originally built for Tsar Alexander III.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was previously the Mount Moriah Baptist Church, and was originally built for Mount Morris Baptist.

The New York Times

The stage was originally built to focus attention on the Shriners in the middle.

The New York Times - Arts

"Everything was originally built from spare parts I had around the house".

The New York Times

The Formbys' house was originally built for a corporate headhunter based in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with details about the original purpose, materials, or design to add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was originally built" when you intend to describe its current function or state. Focus on the current attributes if the original construction is not the primary point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was originally built" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of building. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the initial construction or creation of something. Examples show diverse subjects, from buildings to systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was originally built" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to establish the historical context and initial purpose of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse writing contexts. From news articles and academic papers to Wikipedia entries, the phrase frequently appears to provide essential background information. Understanding the proper usage of "was originally built" can help writers effectively communicate the evolution and significance of various entities, structures, and systems. While synonyms like "was initially constructed" and "was first erected" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and style desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was initially constructed

Replaces "originally built" with "initially constructed", focusing on the act of construction.

was created initially

Highlights the act of creation at the beginning.

was first erected

Uses "first erected" to emphasize the initial act of putting something up.

was founded as

Suitable when referring to the establishment of an institution or organization.

was designed at first

Focuses on the initial design intent rather than the physical building.

was pioneered as

Highlights the innovative aspect of the initial construction.

was conceived as

Emphasizes the initial idea or concept.

was primarily intended for

Shifts the focus to the original purpose or intention.

began its life as

More figurative and emphasizes the initial phase of existence.

started as

A simpler, more informal way of expressing the beginning.

FAQs

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

Use "was originally built" to describe the initial construction or purpose of something. For example, "The castle was originally built in the 15th century as a defensive structure."

What is a good alternative to "was originally built"?

Alternatives include "was initially constructed", "was first erected", or "was designed at first". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "was originally built" or "is originally built"?

"Was originally built" is correct when referring to a past event. "Is originally built" is grammatically incorrect because "originally" implies a past state.

What's the difference between "was originally built" and "was rebuilt"?

"Was originally built" refers to the initial construction, while "was rebuilt" implies that the structure was previously built, then destroyed or significantly altered, and then reconstructed.