were built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were built" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was constructed or created in the past. Example: "The ancient pyramids were built thousands of years ago, showcasing the incredible engineering skills of that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many were built.

The Economist

About 40 were built.

The New York Times

Both were built until 1974.

The New York Times

"How many universities were built?

The New York Times

They were built to last.

The New Yorker

No new stadiums were built.

The Economist

"They were built to order.

The New York Times

They were built by me.

Independent

Latrines were built.

The Guardian - Opinion

Safeguards were built in.

The Washington Post

Fifteen modules were built.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical topics where construction dates matter, provide context to show when something "were built" during a specific period.

Common error

Avoid using "was built" when referring to multiple subjects. "Was built" is singular, while "were built" is plural. For example, it should be "The houses were built" not "The houses was built".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were built" functions as the passive voice of the verb "build" in the past tense. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent construction or creation by an unspecified or less important agent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were built" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe past construction or creation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It appears most often in news articles, encyclopedias and wiki pages, maintaining a neutral tone. Remember to use it with plural subjects and to consider alternatives like "were constructed" for varied writing. Pay attention to tense agreement to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were constructed

Emphasizes the act of putting parts together systematically to create something.

were erected

Implies a vertical construction or raising of a structure.

were created

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

were assembled

Highlights the process of putting together pre-made components.

were manufactured

Indicates production on a large scale, often in a factory.

were fabricated

Suggests a degree of complexity or artistry in the construction process.

were formed

Implies a natural or shaping process rather than explicit building.

were developed

Focuses on the process of growth or evolution leading to a final structure.

were established

Emphasizes the act of setting something up for the long term.

were instituted

Suggests the implementation of a system or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "were built" in a sentence?

Use "were built" to describe the past construction of multiple items or a plural subject. For example, "The roads "were built" in 1950".

What are some alternatives to "were built"?

Alternatives include "were constructed", "were erected", or "were created", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was built" instead of "were built"?

"Was built" is singular and should be used with a singular subject. "Were built" is plural and should be used with plural subjects. For instance, "The house was built" versus "The houses "were built"".

What's the difference between "were built" and "are built"?

"Were built" indicates a past action, while "are built" indicates a present or ongoing state. Example: "The houses "were built" last year," vs. "The houses are built to withstand earthquakes".