Many verbs have different meanings, however this section deals with verbs and phrasal verbs connected with buildings. An example is provided only where the verb is commonly used in everyday conversation.
One irregular verb in bold is shown in all its forms.
Verbs
| The Verb (infinitive form) | The Meaning | An example ( Simple Past Tense) |
Regular /Irregular |
|---|---|---|---|
To build |
To construct for a dwelling. | He built his own house | Irregular |
| To construct | To pile up, arrange or build | They constructed the new offices in record time. | Regular |
| To demolish | To pull or tear down a structure. | They demolished the old slums in 1951. | Regular |
| To extend | To increase in size or area. To add to an existing building. | As the family grew they extended the house. | Regular |
| To move | To change ones place of dwelling or business. | To be nearer his job he moved to London. | Regular |
Phrasal Verbs
| The Phrasal Verb | The Meaning | An example ( Simple Past Tense) |
S=Separable I=Inseparable |
|---|---|---|---|
| build in | To incorporate something as an integral part of something else. | They built new safety features in. | S |
| build on | To add a new part to an existing structure | They built a double garage on to improve their house. | S |
| build up | To construct or erect gradually, little by little | They built the business up bit by bit. | S |
| move in | To start living in a different house or flat. | They only moved in yesterday. | I |
| move out | To leave a house, flat, etc., to go and live somewhere else. | He moved out of his parent`s house when he was 21. | I |
| tear down | To destroy or take apart. | They tore the village down before the dam was built. | S |