Conjugation of "Build" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To construct a structure by putting materials and parts together.
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All 12 Tenses of "Build"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "build" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I build |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I built |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will build |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am building |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was building |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be building |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have built |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had built |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have built |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been building |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been building |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been building |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Build" — Built
The past simple of "build" is "built". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "build" is irregular, "built" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
- Strong relationships are built through trust and communication. B1
Past Participle of "Build" — Built
The past participle of "build" is "built". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have built"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was built"). Because "build" is irregular, "built" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
- Strong relationships are built through trust and communication. B1
Is "Build" Regular or Irregular?
"Build" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "build", past simple "built", and past participle "built". The 3rd-person singular present is "builds" and the present participle/gerund is "building". Conjugation pattern: ablaut: i-u-i.
Conjugation pattern: ablaut: i-u-i
How to Pronounce "Build" and Its Forms
Build: /bɪld/ — Stress pattern: O
The 'u' vowel in 'build' is pronounced like in 'foot', not like 'i' in 'sit'; stress the vowel sound.
Common mispronunciation of "build"
Often mispronounced with a short 'i' sound; the vowel is closer to 'oo' as in 'foot'.
How to Use "Build" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'build' for constructing physical structures or developing something gradually over time.
S + V + objectS + V + up + object (phrasal verb meaning strengthen)
Example Sentences with "Build" in Different Tenses
- Simple Past: Strong relationships are built through trust and communication. B1
- Simple Future: We will build a new house in the countryside next year. A1
- Present Continuous: The city is building a modern train station downtown. A2
Common Collocations with "Build"
- build a house — They are building a new house next door.
- build a career — She has built a successful career in medicine.
- build strength — Exercise helps build muscle strength.
- build on something — We can build on this idea to improve it.
- build up — Confidence builds up with practice.
When to Use "Build" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- construct — used in formal or technical contexts for planned
- erect — when the structure is tall or rises prominently
Antonyms: demolish, destroy
Common Mistakes with "Build"
-
Wrong: He build houses.
Correct: He builds houses.
Add "s" for third-person singular (he/she/it). -
Wrong: I am build a house.
Correct: I am building a house.
Use present participle (building), not base form, with "am". -
Wrong: They builded the structure.
Correct: They built the structure.
Past tense is "built", not "builded".
Origin and Etymology of "Build"
From Old English "byldan"; related to "bold" (dwelling).
Other Forms of "Build"
- Noun: building
Conjugation Tables for "Build"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not build · He does not build
- Simple past: I did not build · She did not build
- Present perfect: I have not built · He has not built
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you build? · Does he build?
- Simple past: Did you build?
- Present perfect: Have you built?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is built
- Simple past passive: It was built
- Present perfect passive: It has been built
Frequently Asked Questions About "Build"
- Is "build" regular or irregular?
- "build" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "built" and past participle is "built". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "build"?
- The simple past of "build" is "built".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "build"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "built".
- What's a common mistake with "build"?
- Add "s" for third-person singular (he/she/it). Wrong: "He build houses." Correct: "He builds houses."