What is construction? Pronunciation and usage in English

construction means . Learn how to pronounce and use construction through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of construction

constructionnoun

/kənˈstrʌkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of construction

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "construction." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • con - like the word "cone"
  • struc - like "struck" (the past tense of "strike")
  • tion - like "shun" (as in, "fun")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using sounds):

  • con: /kən/ (The "n" is nasal – meaning it resonates in your nose)
  • struc: /ˈstrʌk/ (The "u" is pronounced like "uh" as in "but")
  • tion: /ʃən/ (The "sh" sound is like in "ship")

3. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly as: KON-strʌk-shən

Here's a helpful way to hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • The "str" sound: Focus on getting the “str” sound right. It's similar to “struck,” not a hard “s” sound.
  • Nasal "n": Make sure the "n" in "con" is a nasal sound (you can feel it resonate in your nose).
  • Smooth transition: Try to connect the syllables smoothly. Don't pronounce each part as a separate word.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word construction in English

Let's break down how to use the word "construction" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The most common usage):

  • Physical Building & Infrastructure: This is the most familiar meaning. It refers to the process of building or creating something, and the result itself.

    • Example: "The construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed next year." (The process of building)
    • Example: “The impressive construction of the skyscraper is a testament to modern engineering.” (The building itself)
    • Examples of things that relate to construction:
      • Construction site
      • Construction worker
      • Construction materials (concrete, steel, wood, etc.)
      • Construction equipment (bulldozers, cranes, etc.)

  • Development & Progress: “Construction” can refer to the development or growth of something, often in a non-physical sense.

    • Example: “The company is undergoing significant construction in terms of its market share.” (Growth and development)
    • Example: “There's a lot of construction happening in the economy right now.” (Economic development)
    • Example: "The construction of her career was built on a strong foundation of hard work." (Development of a career)

2. As a Verb:

  • To Build or Erect: This is the active form of the word.

    • Example: "The builders are constructing a new community center.”
    • Example: "They began construction on the hotel last month."

  • To Develop or Form (Less Common): It can also describe the process of developing or forming something conceptually.

    • Example: “The negotiators were constructing a compromise agreement.” (Developing an agreement)

3. Figurative/Abstract Usage:

  • Process of Forming or Developing (Ideas, Plans): Sometimes “construction” is used metaphorically to describe the process of building thoughts, arguments, or plans.
    • Example: "The lawyer was meticulously constructing his case before the trial." (Building the case through evidence and reasoning)
    • Example: "Let's construct a detailed plan for how to achieve our goals." (Developing a plan)

Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to use “construction”:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun The act of building "The construction site was busy."
Noun The building itself “The construction is stunning.”
Noun Development/Growth “Expansion is a key part of the construction.”
Verb To build or erect "They are constructing a new road."
Verb To develop or form (conceptually) "He was constructing an argument.”

Tips for Using "Construction" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Synonyms: If you’re unsure, consider using synonyms like “building,” “development,” “creation,” or “erection.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you trying to use "construction" in? (e.g., a school essay, a conversation with a friend, a professional report?)
  • Are you trying to use it as a noun or a verb?

Synonyms for the word construction

Practice with vocabulary construction

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new bypass project is a massive undertaking, involving the ____________ of several bridges and tunnels.
  2. Careful planning is essential before the ____________ of a new building, considering factors like material sourcing and labor.
  3. The rapid ____________ of new technologies has transformed how businesses operate globally.
  4. The theoretical ____________ of the research was robust, allowing for clear hypothesis testing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The city council approved the immediate start of the new public transport system's ____________ phase. A. building B. construction C. design D. establishment

  2. Significant resources have been allocated for the ____________ of a new research facility on campus. A. erection B. formation C. construction D. generation

  3. The precise verbal ____________ of the legal contract left no room for misinterpretation. A. composition B. framework C. construction D. outline

  4. Developing a strong team requires careful attention to the ____________ of individual roles and responsibilities. A. assignment B. allocation C. delegation D. building

  5. Her argument's logical ____________ was undeniable, leading to a unanimous decision. A. integrity B. coherence C. firmness D. validity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The factory is currently building a new assembly line to increase production capacity. Rewrite, using "construction" or a related word form:

  2. The way in which the argument was formed made it difficult to challenge. Rewrite, using "construction" or a related word form:

  3. We need to establish a clear plan for the project's execution. Rewrite, using a suitable replacement word (do not use "construction"):

Answer Key:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new bypass project is a massive undertaking, involving the construction of several bridges and tunnels.
  2. Careful planning is essential before the construction of a new building, considering factors like material sourcing and labor.
  3. The rapid development of new technologies has transformed how businesses operate globally.
  4. The theoretical framework of the research was robust, allowing for clear hypothesis testing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A. building, B. construction
  2. A. erection, C. construction
  3. A. composition, B. framework, C. construction
  4. A. assignment, B. allocation, C. delegation
  5. A. integrity, B. coherence, D. validity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The factory is currently undertaking the construction of a new assembly line to increase production capacity.
  2. The construction of the argument made it difficult to challenge.
  3. We need to formulate a clear plan for the project's execution.

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