were constructed

USAGE SUMMARY

"were constructed" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to indicate something was built or created in the past. For example: "The ancient pyramids of Giza were constructed over 4,500 years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(No sets were constructed).

The New York Times

No new theatres were constructed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whole residential districts were constructed.

The Guardian - Sport

Several steel high-rise buildings were constructed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both buildings were constructed with slave labour.

Independent

Some nations were constructed earlier than others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At Loewe, they were constructed from leather.

Independent

The buildings were constructed in 1926.

The New York Times

Maximum likelihood trees were constructed with RaXML45.

Nature

The genome maps were constructed using GCView57.

Nature

Buildings were constructed and irrigation channels dug.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were constructed", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what was built or created. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While "were constructed" is grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider using the active voice when appropriate for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were constructed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being built or created. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were constructed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the creation or building of something in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase for written English. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, and used to convey information about the construction or assembly process. While alternatives like "were built" or "were created" may be suitable substitutes, "were constructed" often implies a more intricate or engineered process. When writing, focus on clarity by explicitly stating what "were constructed" to avoid ambiguity. In summary, "were constructed" is versatile, widely understood, and appropriate for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were built

Focuses specifically on physical building or creation.

were created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

were assembled

Highlights the process of putting parts together.

were manufactured

Implies a more industrial or mass-production context.

were fabricated

Suggests a more complex or intricate creation process, sometimes implying deception.

were formed

Indicates the shaping or molding of something.

were erected

Refers specifically to the raising or building of structures.

were produced

Focuses on the outcome of a process, highlighting the result.

were developed

Highlights the gradual evolution and improvement of something.

were designed

Emphasizes the planning and intention behind the creation.

FAQs

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

You can use "were constructed" to describe the building or creation of something in the past. For example, "The houses "were constructed" in 1920."

What is a good alternative to "were constructed"?

Alternatives to "were constructed" include "were built", "were created", or "were assembled". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "construct"?

Using the active voice (e.g., "Engineers constructed the bridge") is often more direct and engaging. However, the passive voice ("The bridge "was constructed" by engineers") can be useful when the action is more important than the actor.

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

While similar, "were constructed" often implies a more complex or elaborate process than "were built". "Constructed" can suggest a higher degree of engineering or design.