present participle
It describes an ongoing activity of building something by putting its parts together, often according to a plan.
The workers are constructing a new building.
The team is constructing a bridge over the river.
American English
How to pronounce constructing
verb · nounB2Common word
kʰuhnSTRUHKtihng
/kʰənˈstɹək.tɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of construct
The same -ing form can name an activity or describe an ongoing action.
It describes an ongoing activity of building something by putting its parts together, often according to a plan.
What to listen for
In natural speech, the first part of “constructing” can be very short, and the /n/ can form a quick syllable: /kʰn̩ˈstɹək.tɪŋ/. Give more emphasis to the second syllable.
Meanings & examples
gerund
It means the activity of building something by putting its parts together, often according to a plan.
Constructing a bridge requires careful planning.
Constructing model airplanes is her favorite hobby.
present participle
It describes an ongoing activity of creating an idea, argument, sentence, or model by putting its parts together.
She is constructing a strong argument from the evidence.
Students are constructing clear sentences.
gerund
It means the activity of creating an idea, argument, sentence, or model by putting its parts together.
Constructing a clear argument takes time.
Constructing a model from the data was difficult.
Useful expressions
an idea or category shaped by society rather than fixed by nature
Gender is often discussed as a social construct.