were rebuilt

USAGE SUMMARY

"were rebuilt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is in the past perfect tense, so it is used to describe an action that happened before another action in the past. For example: After the earthquake, the destroyed buildings were rebuilt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they were rebuilt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Schools were rebuilt.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Knicks were rebuilt but incomplete.

The New York Times - Sports

Sheds were rebuilt, buffers replaced, engines repainted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our industry and infrastructure were rebuilt.

The Guardian - Business

Under Nehemiah's leadership, Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The houses were rebuilt quickly, but problems soon cropped up.

The New York Times

All were rebuilt as fast as they were destroyed.

The New Yorker

The facade and portico were rebuilt in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a relentless construction programme, 80% of the town's roads were rebuilt.

The Guardian - Travel

The mainline levees were rebuilt, extended, reinforced — and their height was almost doubled, reaching thirty feet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were rebuilt" to clearly indicate that something was previously built, then destroyed or damaged, and subsequently reconstructed. This is especially effective in historical, architectural, or post-disaster contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "were rebuilt" when referring to something that is currently under construction or has been continuously modified without prior destruction. Use phrases like "were being built" or "were expanded" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were rebuilt" functions as the past passive form of the verb "rebuild". It indicates that something was reconstructed or rebuilt by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were rebuilt" is a grammatically correct and very common past passive construction used to describe the act of reconstructing something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. The phrase indicates a prior state of damage or destruction, followed by a process of restoration. When using "were rebuilt", ensure the context implies a prior building phase followed by a subsequent reconstruction, differentiating it from continuous construction or simple repairs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were reconstructed

Reconstruction implies a more complex or extensive rebuilding process.

were restored

Restoration suggests returning something to its original condition.

were renovated

Renovation indicates improvements and updates during the rebuilding.

were revamped

Revamping suggests a more significant overhaul or modernization.

were remodeled

Remodeling usually refers to altering the structure or design.

were repaired

Repair focuses on fixing damage rather than complete rebuilding.

were reassembled

Reassembly implies taking something apart and putting it back together.

were recreated

Recreation suggests making something new based on an older model.

were re-established

Re-establishment refers to restoring something to a previous state or position.

were regenerated

Regeneration implies a natural process of renewal or regrowth.

FAQs

How is "were rebuilt" used in a sentence?

"Were rebuilt" indicates that something was constructed again. For example, "After the war, many cities "were rebuilt"."

What are some alternatives to "were rebuilt"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "were restored", "were reconstructed", or "were renovated".

Is it correct to say "were rebuild" instead of "were rebuilt"?

No, "were rebuild" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle form of "rebuild" is "rebuilt". Therefore, the correct phrase is ""were rebuilt"".

What is the difference between "were rebuilt" and "were repaired"?

"Were rebuilt" suggests a more extensive reconstruction, possibly after significant damage. "Were repaired" implies fixing specific damages without a complete reconstruction.