Build vs Construct

The verbs build and construct mean to make something by putting things together but the word construct is used in the formal style. Build is an irregular verb.  Its past simple and past participle forms are built. Construct is a regular verb and you add -ed to its base form to create the past forms (constructed). 

Build and construct are almost interchangeable, as in the following patterns: 

• to build/construct a house, shelter, barrier, fence, wall 
• to build/construct a bridge, road, tunnel 
• to build/construct a machine, engine 

Construct is often used in the passive voice. 

• This bridge was constructed in 2005.  
• The fence is constructed of wood and wire. 

You use build (also build up) to mean to create or develop something gradually.  

• He built a successful career in computer science.   
• He has built an enviable reputation in his hometown. 

In grammar Construct means to form an argument, a sentence, a story, a theory, etc. 

• He has constructed a powerful argument.  

In geometry construct means to draw a line or shape 

• to construct a triangle/square 

 See also:

Begin vs Start