well-built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong, muscular physique or to refer to a sturdy and well-constructed object, such as a building or piece of furniture. Example: "The athlete was well-built, with broad shoulders and a powerful frame that impressed everyone at the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a well-built Beetle.

The New York Times

It's well-built and comfortable to ride.

Independent

"He was always a well-built horse.

The New York Times - Sports

That well-built stalwart owed us nothing.

The New York Times

"I love a well-built man.

The New York Times - Sports

Some well-built wooden structures and bridges destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is exuberant, crass, and remarkably well-built stuff.

The New Yorker

"A well-built portfolio has winners and losers," he said.

The New York Times

Gave them away, like our well-built weapons, only involuntarily.

The Guardian

They had bought an iconic, well-built building.

The New York Times

The town is extensive, with well-built houses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical appearance, use "well-built" to convey a positive impression of strength and health, avoiding overly specific or potentially objectifying language. For instance, describe a character as "having a well-built frame" instead of listing specific measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "well-built" to describe abstract concepts or situations where physical construction isn't relevant. For example, saying "a well-built argument" is less effective than "a well-structured argument" because it introduces a physical metaphor where it doesn't belong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-built" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its quality of construction or physical form. Ludwig shows examples applying to buildings, vehicles, and people, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well-built" is a versatile and commonly used adjective that conveys a sense of quality and robustness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, from describing the structural integrity of buildings to the physical attributes of people. While alternatives like "sturdily constructed" or "athletic build" exist, "well-built" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a reliable choice in many situations. The phrase's frequency in news and media further attests to its widespread acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sturdily constructed

Focuses more on the robustness of the construction rather than the pleasing aesthetics or physique.

robustly made

Emphasizes the strength and durability of the item, similar to "well-built" but with a stronger emphasis on resilience.

strongly constructed

Highlights the strength of the construction, differing slightly in that it doesn't necessarily imply aesthetic quality.

solidly constructed

Suggests a firm and stable construction, rather than overall quality or design.

muscular physique

Specifically refers to a human body that is strong and well-defined, a more specific use case of "well-built".

athletic build

Implies a body type suited for sports and physical activity, narrowing the scope to physical appearance and capability.

finely crafted

Refers more to the skill and artistry in the creation of something, shifting the focus from structural integrity to craftsmanship.

expertly assembled

Highlights the skill involved in putting something together, emphasizing the process over the final product's inherent qualities.

soundly engineered

Emphasizes the technical design and planning behind the construction, rather than its aesthetic qualities or physical appearance.

skillfully fashioned

Focuses on the artistry and dexterity used in creating something, with less emphasis on the structural integrity or physical strength.

FAQs

How can I use "well-built" in a sentence?

You can use "well-built" to describe physical structures, like "a well-built house", or a person's physique, such as "a well-built athlete".

What can I say instead of "well-built"?

Alternatives include "sturdily constructed" for objects and "athletic build" or "muscular physique" for people.

Which is correct, "well-built" or "good built"?

"Well-built" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Good built" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "well-built" and "strongly built"?

While both phrases convey the idea of solid construction, "well-built" often implies attention to detail and aesthetic quality, whereas "strongly built" emphasizes robustness and durability. "The "sturdily constructed" bridge withstood the storm" versus "The architect designed a "well-built house" with beautiful features".