The verb to build · Conjugation
Past Simple of build
The answer: built
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to build is built.
Example: They built a new bridge.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | built |
| You | built |
| He / She / It | built |
| We | built |
| You (pl.) | built |
| They | built |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Builded ❌
Build is irregular. Its Past Simple is built, never builded.
2. D → T in the past
Build → built: the d becomes a t. It is the same with spend → spent and send → sent.
3. Build, make or create?
Build = to make something that lasts, like a structure. Make = the general word. Create = to make something new (an idea, a piece of art). You build a house, make a cake and create a logo.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of build?+
The Past Simple of build is built. The past participle is also built. Build → built → built.
Why is it not builded?+
Build is irregular. Its Past Simple is built (the d becomes a t), never builded.
What is the difference between build and make?+
Build = to make something big that lasts (a structure, a long project). Make = more general, often quicker or more creative. Build a house, but make a cake.
What is a building?+
A building comes from the verb build: any structure with walls and a roof, like the Empire State Building. The word construction is for the work of building: There is a lot of construction in the city centre.
Is it didn't build or didn't built?+
Say didn't build: They didn't build the new road. After didn't, the verb goes back to its base form (build, not built).
Related pages: build Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/build/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to build are coming soon.