Build vs. Built — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
"Build" is the base form of the verb meaning to construct, while "built" is the past tense and past participle form of the same verb.
Difference Between Build and Built
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Moreover, while "build" often combines with helping verbs to create various tenses (like "will build" for future tense), "built" stands independently when referring to the past. For instance, "They build models" is in the present, whereas "They built models" refers to the past.
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Sep 21, 2023
On the other hand, "built" steps in when referring to an action that has already taken place in the past. Using "built" in a sentence, such as "She built a sandcastle," illustrates a completed action, indicating that the sandcastle was made sometime earlier.
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Sep 21, 2023
Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that "built" also functions as a past participle. This means it can team up with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses, such as in the sentence "They have built a new bridge," indicating the action of construction has recently been completed.
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Sep 21, 2023
In the vast realm of English verbs, "build" and "built" signify different temporal stages of the action of construction. "Build" serves as the present tense, indicating an ongoing or future action. For instance, saying, "I will build a house," signifies a future intention.
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Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Combination
Often used with helping verbs
Can stand alone or with auxiliary verbs
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Temporal Stage
Refers to an action yet to be or being done
Refers to an action already done
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Definitions
Build➦
To construct or make something.
They plan to build a new mall downtown.
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Sep 21, 2023
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Built➦
Developed or established previously.
They built a strong community spirit.
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Built➦
Created or achieved over a previous time.
She had built a reputation for being reliable.
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Build➦
To order, finance, or supervise the construction of
The administration built several new housing projects.
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Sep 02, 2018
Built➦
Formed or shaped in the past using materials.
The kids built a fortress out of pillows.
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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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Sep 02, 2018
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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Built➦
(Informal) Having a well-developed or attractive body
A dancer who is really built.
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Sep 02, 2018
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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Sep 02, 2018
Build➦
To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity
Suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.
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Build➦
The physical makeup of a person or thing, especially one's physique
An athletic build.
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Sep 02, 2018
Build➦
(Computers) Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
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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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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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Built➦
Accumulated or gathered in the past.
Tension built up during the meeting.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sep 02, 2018
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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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➦
To develop or increase in stages.
We need to build trust in our relationship.
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Build➦
To shape or form by combining materials.
Children love to build with blocks.
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Build➦
To establish or create over time.
He wants to build a successful career in finance.
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FAQs
Is "built" only used for past actions?
Primarily, but it's also the past participle, as in "have built."
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Sep 21, 2023
Can "build" indicate a future action?
Yes, with helping verbs, e.g., "I will build a house."
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Sep 21, 2023
Is "build" the present tense?
Yes, "build" is the present or base form of the verb.
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Sep 21, 2023
What does "built" represent?
"Built" represents the past tense and past participle of "build."
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What's the adjective form of "build"?
The adjective form is "built," as in "a newly built home."
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Sep 21, 2023
Does "built" require auxiliary verbs?
Not always. It can stand alone as "I built" or combine as in "have built."
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Sep 21, 2023
What's the opposite of "built"?
"Demolished" or "dismantled" when referring to physical structures.
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Sep 21, 2023
Can "build" refer to non-physical construction?
Yes, like "build confidence" or "build a relationship."
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Sep 21, 2023
Is "built" always about past events?
Primarily, but in combinations like "have built," it can indicate recent completions.
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Sep 21, 2023
How do I use "built" in the present perfect tense?
Use it with "have" or "has," e.g., "She has built a shed."
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Sep 21, 2023
Does "build" always mean constructing something large?
No, it can refer to small constructs like "build a model" or "build a puzzle."
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Sep 21, 2023
Can "build" imply progression?
Yes, like "build momentum" or "build trust."
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Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform.
Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
