build

USAGE SUMMARY

"build" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb, a noun, and an adjective, as well as a number of idiomatic expressions. For example: We are building a new house on the property.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said: "It was very heartening to see the support being offered by Mr Clegg and the Lib Dems and the willingness to build on our existing relationship to continue working together building a fairer society.

The Guardian

On the Wolds they are beginning to build wind turbines.

The Guardian - Arts

She has no compunction in moving Labour beyond our comfort zone and is determined to build a team ready to chart a route forward".

The Guardian

If you've got a business — you didn't build that.

The New York Times

Together, they have positioned the Guardian to build on its worldwide audience and to capitalise on its new commercial and digital opportunities".

The Guardian

It's not people with experience in banking or business whom Labour desperately needs, but people who know how to build a political movement from the bottom up.

The Guardian - Opinion

She adds that if the government wishes to support the arts, it does not need to build a new theatre.

The Guardian

Here are some of the things we needed to build to get there.

The Guardian

"Based on historic and global track records, trying to build a new city from scratch is a massive gamble," says Brent Toderian, Vancouver's former chief planner, and a consultant for several cities outside of the Middle East.

The Guardian

That was the year when Fatimid invaders began to build a grand enclosure to house their new mosques and palaces – a private city known to its residents as al-Qahera, and eventually to the world as Cairo.

The Guardian

Python is an extremely powerful and flexible language that will let you build lots of software and you can even use it to interface with hardware on the Pi.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build" in technical contexts, clarify the specific type of construction or development involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you are building software, infrastructure, or a team.

Common error

Avoid using "build" as a generic substitute for other more precise verbs like "develop", "create", or "establish". Choose the verb that best reflects the specific action and outcome you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "build" is as a verb, denoting the action of constructing or creating something, either physically or abstractly. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from constructing physical structures to developing strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "build" functions primarily as a verb, commonly used to describe the action of constructing or developing something. As supported by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and business contexts. While "build" is generally appropriate, consider using more precise alternatives like "construct", "create", or "develop" to enhance clarity. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "build" in your writing to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construct

Focuses on the act of creating something physical or tangible.

create

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

develop

Highlights the gradual growth and improvement of something.

establish

Stresses the act of setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

form

Indicates the act of shaping or molding something into a specific shape or structure.

erect

Implies the vertical construction of something, often a building or structure.

assemble

Focuses on the process of putting together different parts to make a whole.

fabricate

Suggests the manufacturing or creation of something, often from raw materials.

put together

An informal way of saying assemble, or construct.

build up

To gradually accumulate or increase something.

FAQs

How can I use "build" in a sentence?

You can use "build" as a verb to describe the act of constructing something, like "We are going to build a house", or in a more abstract sense, such as "We need to build stronger relationships".

What's a good alternative to the word "build"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "construct", "create", "develop", or "establish".

Is it correct to say "build upon" instead of "build on"?

Both "build on" and "build upon" are acceptable, but "build on" is more common and often preferred in modern usage. "Build upon" can sound slightly more formal.

When should I use "build" versus "create"?

"Build" often implies assembling or constructing something from existing parts or ideas, while "create" suggests bringing something entirely new into existence. However, in many contexts, they can be used interchangeably depending on the nuance you want to convey.