Build vs. Built: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Build" is the act of constructing or creating something, while "built" is the past tense and past participle of build, indicating something was constructed.
Key Differences
Build is a present tense verb, indicating the ongoing process of construction. Built is the past tense, referring to construction that has been completed.
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Nov 15, 2023
Build is used when the construction process is ongoing or planned. Built is used to describe something that has already been constructed.
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Nov 15, 2023
In sentences, 'build' is used with auxiliary verbs for future and present constructions, while 'built' is used for past constructions or as an adjective.
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'Build' often describes the act or process of creating something. 'Built' describes the state of something after the process is complete.
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Using 'build' implies action and progression. 'Built' implies completion and existence.
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Comparison Chart
Structure in Sentences
Used with auxiliary verbs for future/present
Used for past constructions or as an adjective
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Descriptive Focus
Describes the act or process
Describes the completed state
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Build and Built Definitions
Build
Build means to physically construct something.
They plan to build a new bridge.
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Built
Built refers to something developed previously.
The software was built using the latest technology.
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Build
Build refers to the formation of something.
They helped build a strong community.
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Built
Built means formed or created in the past.
The community was built on mutual respect.
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Build
Build means to create or establish something.
They aim to build a successful business.
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Built
Built means something was established in the past.
The company was built on innovative ideas.
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Built
Built can refer to having increased or strengthened something previously.
He built a reputation for honesty.
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Build
To order, finance, or supervise the construction of
The administration built several new housing projects.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create
Build a nation.
Built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to
Money building interest in a savings account.
Build support for a political candidate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Built
(Informal) Having a well-developed or attractive body
A dancer who is really built.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To engage in the construction or design of buildings
"Each of the three architects built in a different style" (Dwight Macdonald).
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity
Suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
The physical makeup of a person or thing, especially one's physique
An athletic build.
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Oct 19, 2023
Built
Formed; shaped; constructed; made; - often used in composition and preceded by the word denoting the form; as, frigate-built, clipper-built, etc.
Like the generality of Genoese countrywomen, strongly built.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
(Computers) Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
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Built
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness;
The built liquid detergents
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Build
(transitive) To develop or give form to (something) according to a plan or process.
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Build
(transitive) To increase or strengthen (something) by adding gradually to.
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Build
To be converted into software by compilation, usually with minimal human intervention.
This code won’t build any more. Have you made any changes?
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure.
Rugby players are of sturdy build.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
The computer company has introduced a new prototype build to beta testers.
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Build
A structure, such as a building, statue, pool or forest, or a configuration of a character's items or skills, created by the player.
I made a build that looked like the Parthenon in that game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To erect or construct, as an edifice or fabric of any kind; to form by uniting materials into a regular structure; to fabricate; to make; to raise.
Nor aught availed him nowTo have built in heaven high towers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To raise or place on a foundation; to form, establish, or produce by using appropriate means.
Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; - frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution.
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
To rest or depend, as on a foundation; to ground one's self or one's hopes or opinions upon something deemed reliable; to rely; as, to build on the opinions or advice of others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
Form or mode of construction; general figure; make; as, the build of a ship; a great build on a man.
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Oct 19, 2023
Build
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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Build
Make by combining materials and parts;
This little pig made his house out of straw
Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer
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Build
Form or accumulate steadily;
Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
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Build
Order, supervise, or finance the construction of;
The government is building new schools in this state
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Build
Give form to, according to a plan;
Build a modern nation
Build a million-dollar business
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Build
Be engaged in building;
These architects build in interesting and new styles
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Build
Found or ground;
Build a defense on nothing but the accused person's reputation
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Build
Bolster or strengthen;
We worked up courage
Build up confidence
Ramp up security in the airports
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Build
Develop and grow;
Suspense was building right from the beginning of the opera
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Build
Build can mean to develop something gradually.
She wants to build her skills in coding.
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Build
Build can mean to increase or strengthen.
He exercises to build his strength.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is 'built' used?
Built is used to describe something that has been constructed or created in the past.
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Is 'built' ever an adjective?
Yes, 'built' can be used as an adjective to describe something constructed.
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What is the present participle of 'build'?
The present participle of 'build' is 'building.'
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Can 'build' be used in future tense?
Yes, 'build' can be used in future tense with auxiliary verbs.
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Can 'build' refer to non-physical construction?
Yes, it can refer to developing skills, relationships, etc.
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Can 'build' mean to strengthen?
Yes, it can mean to increase or strengthen something.
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Is 'built' used in passive voice?
Yes, it's common in passive constructions, e.g., "It was built."
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What's an example of 'built' as an adjective?
"She admired the beautifully built architecture."
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What does 'build' mean?
Build refers to the act of constructing or creating something.
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Nov 15, 2023
Does 'built' imply completion?
Yes, 'built' typically implies that the construction or creation is complete.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is 'build' used in software development?
Yes, it's often used to refer to creating software.
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What does 'built-in' mean?
'Built-in' refers to something that is an integral part of a structure or system.
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What industries use 'build' frequently?
Construction, technology, and development sectors often use 'build.'
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Does 'build' have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning can vary based on context, like construction or development.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is 'built' used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, like "built to last" or "built on a foundation of."
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Nov 15, 2023
How do you use 'built' in past perfect tense?
"They had built the house by 2010."
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Nov 15, 2023
Can 'built' refer to historical constructions?
Yes, it's often used to describe historical buildings or structures.
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What is a synonym for 'build'?
Construct, develop, or establish can be synonyms.
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Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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