Verbs about buildings

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