I have built up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have built up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the accumulation or development of something over time, such as skills, knowledge, or resources. Example: "Over the years, I have built up a strong network of professional contacts in my industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

'Over the years I have built up the access.

The Guardian

Over the past six weeks Ken and I have built up a good rapport with Russell.

The Guardian

I have built up my game to be very powerful and threatening to the other guys.

The Guardian - Sport

Shouldn't I have built up some equity, a squatter's right to these streets and buildings that feel so familiar?

The New York Times

He said: "Whilst I appreciate the need for parents' peace of mind, I have built up an excellent reputation as a teacher and responsible adult.

The Guardian

I have built up an expectation by giving in to this in the past so now it's hard to break that pattern and get my own space back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I've built up some confidence," Jones said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now I've built up a whole set of other walls.

The New York Times - Arts

I left behind everything I had built up - husband, home, possessions and my business.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added: "These two years, I've built up some experience.

The New York Times - Sports

I've built up two unbeatable weapons: experience and a sense of humour".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have built up", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been accumulated or developed over time. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I have built up" when referring to something that happened quickly or instantaneously. This phrase is best suited for processes that take time and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have built up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage, showcasing its utility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Lifestyle

16%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have built up" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the gradual accumulation or development of something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, lifestyle articles, and sports reporting. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's essential to use the phrase appropriately, ensuring that the context reflects a process that requires time and effort. Consider alternatives like "I have developed" or "I have accumulated" to better suit specific nuances. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively use "I have built up" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have developed

Focuses more on the process of growth or evolution of something, whether it is a skill, relationship, or product.

I have accumulated

Implies a gradual gathering or collection of things, often suggesting quantity or volume.

I have established

Suggests a firmer, more permanent creation or setting up of something, like a business or reputation.

I have cultivated

Emphasizes the nurturing and careful development of something over time, often used for relationships or skills.

I have fostered

Similar to 'cultivated', but often implies providing care and support for growth.

I have amassed

Conveys accumulating a large quantity of something, often wealth or possessions.

I have gained

More general; implies acquiring something but not necessarily building it over time.

I have constructed

Implies deliberate and methodical building, often physically or structurally.

I have acquired

Focuses on obtaining something, without necessarily implying development over time.

I have strengthened

Highlights the increase in power, stability, or effectiveness of something already existing.

FAQs

How can I use "I have built up" in a sentence?

Use "I have built up" to describe the gradual accumulation or development of something over time, such as "Over the years, "I have built up" a strong professional network".

What are some alternatives to "I have built up"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I have developed", "I have accumulated", or "I have established".

Is it correct to say "I had built up" instead of "I have built up"?

Yes, "I had built up" is grammatically correct, but it places the building process in the past relative to another past event. ""I have built up"" connects the past action to the present.

What's the difference between "I have built up" and "I built"?

""I have built up"" implies a gradual process over time resulting in the current state, whereas "I built" refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily highlighting the process.