be built upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"be built upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be based or constructed upon something. Example: The success of the company is built upon its strong team dynamics and innovative ideas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The health reforms can be built upon.

The Economist

Those relationships can be built upon.

The New York Times

The new California must be built upon sustainability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Truth can't be conquered, it can only be built upon.

The New York Times

Your school should be built upon educators who are knowledgeable about young adolescents".

The New York Times

Other delegates expressed disappointed, but said the agreement could be built upon.

The Guardian

These positive steps must be built upon through decisive action by national governments.

The Guardian

They are for tree guards to be built upon, Another implacable hazard to skirt around.

The New York Times

No credible, lasting peace can be built upon impunity and injustice.

The Guardian

If it's just her subjective view, how can an apocalypse be built upon it?

The New Yorker

It also has a huge government-owned property waiting to be built upon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be built upon", ensure the context clearly identifies what serves as the foundation. For example, "The new strategy will be built upon the successes of the previous campaign."

Common error

Ensure that the foundation upon which something is "built upon" is explicitly stated and not left to assumption. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of writing "The project will be built upon solid principles", specify the principles in more detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be built upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is constructed or developed based on a particular foundation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to express reliance or dependence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be built upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies that something is developed or constructed based on an existing foundation. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its common occurrence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives like "be based on" and "be founded on" exist, "be built upon" suggests a gradual and constructive development. When employing this phrase, ensure that the foundation is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be based on

This alternative suggests a foundational relationship where something originates or derives from something else.

be predicated on

Implies a logical dependence where one thing is affirmed or denied based on another.

be founded on

Focuses on the establishment of something with a specific base or principle.

be constructed from

Highlights the process of assembling something from various components or ideas.

be developed from

Emphasizes the evolution and advancement of something from an initial stage.

be expanded on

Indicates that something will be enlarged or elaborated with further details.

be extended from

Suggests a continuation or expansion in scope or duration.

be derived from

Focuses on the origin of something, indicating that it comes from a specific source.

rely on

Shows dependence on something for support or function.

depend on

Indicates that the existence or occurrence of something is contingent on something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "be built upon" to indicate that something is based on a particular foundation. For example, "The new curriculum will "be built upon" the existing framework."

What are some alternatives to "be built upon"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be based on", "be founded on", or "be predicated on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Be based on" is generally simpler and more direct, while "be built upon" can suggest a more gradual or constructive process. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Can I use "build on" instead of "be built upon"?

Yes, "build on" is the active form of "be built upon" and can be used when the subject is performing the action. For example, "We can "build on" the existing infrastructure to create something new", compared to, "The new system will "be built upon" the existing infrastructure".