BUILD IN

“In life's grand puzzle, one must build in patience, for wisdom reveals itself when bricks of time are set in place.”

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb ‘build in’ means to incorporate or integrate something as a permanent feature into a structure, plan, or system from the outset.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can say 'build something in' or 'build in something'.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to specify what is being incorporated.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple build in We need to build in extra security features into the software.
Past Simple built in They built in new safety measures into the factory design.
Present Continuous building in She is building in additional storage space during the renovation.
Present Perfect have built in I have built in several efficiencies into the process this year.

💡 When to Use

Integrating features during design
Use 'build in' when discussing the inclusion of features during the planning or design stage for permanence.
Example: “They decided to build in renewable energy solutions in the new housing project.”
Adding essential components early
Apply 'build in' when referring to the integration of necessary components at an early stage of a system or structure.
Example: “The engineers built in the plumbing during the initial phase of construction.”
Planning for future needs
Use 'build in' to describe anticipating future requirements and incorporating them into current plans.
Example: “The software developers built in scalability to accommodate future growth.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect Object Placement
❌ Wrong: They built extra security in the system.
✅ Correct: They built in extra security into the system.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'build in' requires an object right after the verb.
Incorrect Tense
❌ Wrong: They are build in features regularly.
✅ Correct: They are building in features regularly.
💡 Tip: Ensure the use of correct continuous tense 'building.'
Omission of Object
❌ Wrong: We will build in if needed.
✅ Correct: We will build in extra features if needed.
💡 Tip: Always specify what is being built in.
Practice

BUILD IN – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

incorporate integrate

Antonyms

remove

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“The designers decided to ___ additional feedback mechanisms to improve the product's usability.”

build up
build in
build off
build down

Frequently Asked Questions about Build In

What is the origin of build in?

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The phrase 'build in' originates from the general concept of construction, where additional features are physically integrated into the design of a structure or plan.

Can build in be used in formal and informal contexts?

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'Build in' is versatile, applicable in both formal and informal settings, making it suitable for discussions ranging from casual conversations to professional documents.

What is the difference between build in and incorporate?

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While both 'build in' and 'incorporate' involve integration, 'build in' specifically refers to planned inclusion from the outset, whereas 'incorporate' can also imply later addition.
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey
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