A building is called a building, not a built, primarily because of the way the English language forms nouns from verbs, utilizing the "-ing" suffix to denote an object or an ongoing process.
Understanding the "-ing" Suffix in English
In English grammar, the suffix "-ing" is commonly added to verbs to create nouns. These nouns can refer to the action itself (a gerund) or, as in the case of "building," to the resulting physical object. This linguistic mechanism transforms an action into a concrete thing.
- The Verb "Build": The base form of the verb is "to build," which refers to the act of constructing something.
- The Suffix "-ing": When "-ing" is appended to the verb "build," it creates the noun "building." This noun can refer to:
- The Physical Structure: The completed edifice (e.g., "That tall building is an office complex.").
- The Process of Construction: The ongoing act of creating the structure (e.g., "The building of the new stadium is on schedule.").
"Built" vs. "Building": A Key Distinction
The difference between "built" and "building" lies in their grammatical function and meaning:
| Term | Grammatical Function | Meaning/Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | Past tense of "build" | Refers to an action completed in the past. | "They built a house." |
| Past Participle/Adjective | Describes something that has been constructed or its state of construction. | "This is a well-built bridge." | |
| Building | Noun (from verb "build") | Refers to the physical structure itself, or the ongoing act of construction. | "The building has many floors." / "The building is still underway." |
Why "Built" Isn't the Noun for the Structure:
"Built" primarily functions as the past tense of the verb "to build" or as an adjective describing something that has already been constructed (e.g., a "custom-built" car). It describes a state of completion. In contrast, "building" serves as the established noun for the physical structure, derived directly from the action verb "build" through the "-ing" suffix. This allows for clarity in language, distinguishing the action and its past state from the tangible object.
This pattern is common in English, where "-ing" forms are used to create nouns for objects or concepts associated with an action:
- Paint (verb) → Painting (noun): Refers to the artwork or the act of applying paint.
- Draw (verb) → Drawing (noun): Refers to a picture made with lines or the act of creating one.
- Read (verb) → Reading (noun): Refers to material to be read or the act of consuming text.
Therefore, "building" is the appropriate term because it follows established English word formation rules for creating nouns from verbs, whether referring to the completed structure or the active process of its creation.
