The Comprehensive Guide to Using “Build” in Different Tenses

The use of the verb “build” in various tenses is a crucial aspect of English grammar that requires a deep understanding of its conjugation and grammatical specifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed exploration of how to effectively use “build” in the present, past, and perfect tenses, as well as address any irregularities and pronunciation considerations.

Present Tense

Simple Present Tense “build”

In the simple present tense, the verb “build” is conjugated as follows:

• Singular:
• I build
• You build
• He/She/It builds
• Plural:
• We build
• They build

Examples:
– They build houses using sustainable materials.
– She builds a strong rapport with her clients.
– It builds up pressure when heated.

Present Continuous Tense “building”

The present continuous tense of “build” is formed using the present tense of the verb “to be” and the present participle “building”:

• Singular:
• I am building
• You are building
• He/She/It is building
• Plural:
• We are building
• They are building

Examples:
– He is building his expertise in web development.
– They are building a new park in the neighborhood.

Past Tense

Simple Past Tense of “build”

The simple past tense of “build” is “built,” which is used for all subjects:

• All subjects: built

Examples:
– I built a sandcastle at the beach yesterday.
– She built a strong following on social media over the last year.
– They built their dream home in less than six months.

Past Participle of “build”

The past participle of “build” is also “built,” which is used in perfect tense constructions:

• All subjects: built

Examples:
– He has built several successful startups in his career.
– We had built the entire model before realizing there was a mistake.
– They have built a reputation for excellent customer service.

Perfect Tenses

Present Perfect

The present perfect tense of “build” is formed using the present tense of the verb “to have” and the past participle “built”:

• I have built
• You have built
• He/She/It has built
• We have built
• They have built

Past Perfect

The past perfect tense of “build” is formed using the past tense of the verb “to have” and the past participle “built”:

• I had built
• You had built
• He/She/It had built
• We had built
• They had built

Future Perfect

The future perfect tense of “build” is formed using the future tense of the verb “to have” and the past participle “built”:

• I will have built
• You will have built
• He/She/It will have built
• We will have built
• They will have built

Irregularities and Pronunciation

• The past tense and past participle of “build” are both “built,” which is pronounced as /bɪlt/ in both UK and US English.
• The word “built” is used for all subjects in the past tense form, clearly indicating a past action or state.

Examples and Context

• The usage of “is built” versus “was built” depends on the context:
• “Is built” implies a current state resulting from a past action.
• “Was built” implies a past action.
• The correct usage is “A friendship built on business,” whereas “A friendship build on business” is incorrect.

Reference Links

1. What’s the Past Tense of Build: Build or Built?
2. Conjugation of the Verb “Build”
3. Past Tense of the Verb “Build”