be built on a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be built on a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or basis of something, such as a concept, idea, or structure. Example: "The new policy will be built on a framework of transparency and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Standard accounts of Picasso's art tend to be built on a one-woman, one-style model.

The New York Times - Arts

This was one of the first turnpikes to be built on a straight line rather than along existing roads.

Wikipedia

"This program will be built on a rock foundation.

The New York Times - Sports

To be useful, they had to be built on a large scale; to be built on a large scale, they had to be useful.

The New Yorker

Modern western Europe thus came to be built on a "historical compromise" between capital and labour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would be built on a defunct parking lot at the southeast corner of the courts.

The New York Times

Certainly, no common future can be built on a distortion of history.

The New York Times

Without such material, Facebook's new pillar will be built on a shaky foundation.

The Economist

Like the Tesla Roadster, the SP 01 will be built on a Lotus Elise chassis.

The New York Times

Crystal Island was to be built on a river island near Moscow.

The Guardian

Mr Livingstone claims the proposed area to be built on, a park, should remain open land.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be built on a", ensure that the noun following "a" clearly represents the foundational element or principle upon which something is based. For example: "The project will be built on a foundation of trust."

Common error

Avoid using overly abstract or vague nouns after "be built on a". Instead, opt for concrete and specific terms that provide clarity and context. For example, instead of "The strategy will be built on an idea", use "The strategy will be built on a detailed market analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be built on a" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is constructed or based upon a particular foundation or principle. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous contexts, showcasing its role in expressing dependence and reliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be built on a" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is founded or based on a particular element. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best to follow "be built on a" with concrete nouns. This review of "be built on a" provides writers with a comprehensive understanding of its correct and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be founded upon a

Emphasizes the establishment of something on a particular base or principle.

be based upon a

Focuses on the reliance of something on a specific foundation or set of information.

be predicated on a

Highlights that something's validity or success depends on a certain condition or assumption.

be constructed upon a

Suggests a more deliberate and structured building process on a particular foundation.

be reliant on a

Directly indicates dependence on something for support or success.

be dependent on a

Similar to 'reliant on a', but can also imply a more crucial or necessary dependence.

rest on a

Indicates that something relies heavily on a particular element or condition.

hinge on a

Implies that the outcome or success is entirely dependent on a single critical point or factor.

emanate from a

Indicates that something originates or comes from a specific source or cause.

arise from a

Suggests that something emerges or develops as a result of a particular circumstance or condition.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something is "be built on a"?

Saying something is "be built on a" means it is based or founded on something else, such as a principle, idea, or material. It suggests that the foundation of the subject is reliant on that specific component.

How can I use "be built on a" in a sentence?

You can use "be built on a" when you want to express that something is reliant on a particular foundation. For example, "The company's success will "be built on a" strong customer service record."

What are some alternatives to "be built on a"?

Alternatives to "be built on a" include phrases like "be based on a", "be founded on a", or "be predicated on a", which all suggest that something relies on a specific foundation or condition.

Is it better to use "be based on a" or "be built on a"?

Both "be based on a" and "be built on a" are correct and often interchangeable. "Be based on a" often implies a foundation of information or evidence, while "be built on a" can suggest a more tangible or structured foundation, but the distinction is subtle and context-dependent.