build a career

USAGE SUMMARY

"build a career" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to someone creating a successful job path for themselves. For example, "The young man wanted to build a successful career for himself and decided to invest in his future by furthering his education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to build a career".

The New York Times - Arts

I'd like to build a career here".

The Guardian

It's very hard to build a career.

The Guardian

How does a director build a career?

The Guardian

"They're not out to be seen or build a career.

The New York Times

I came to it expecting to build a career.

The Guardian

It was hard to build a career this way.

The Guardian - Music

How do you hire? A. Some people are looking to build a career.

The New York Times

Like them, many couples they know have moved to Bangalore to build a career.

The New York Times

"It's not like working to get a job and build a career.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you want to build a career in Hollywood, that is different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, use "build a career" to highlight opportunities for growth and advancement within an organization.

Common error

Avoid using "build a career" when referring to short-term employment or temporary gigs. This phrase implies a sustained effort and long-term commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a career" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the process of establishing and developing a long-term professional path. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build a career" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies the process of establishing and developing a long-term professional path. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications, frequently appearing in news, business, and personal development discussions. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of long-term professional goals rather than short-term employment. Consider alternatives like "develop a career" or "establish a career" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a career

Focuses on the act of firmly setting up a long-term profession.

develop a career

Highlights the gradual advancement and improvement of one's professional life.

forge a career

Emphasizes the effort and determination required to create a successful professional path.

cultivate a career

Implies nurturing and fostering one's professional growth over time.

shape a career

Suggests actively influencing the direction and form of one's professional path.

advance a career

Highlights the progress and upward movement in one's professional life.

construct a career

Focuses on methodically building and organizing one's professional life.

create a profession

Focuses on the act of originating or bringing a professional path into existence.

craft a career

Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in developing one's professional life.

nurture a career

Stresses the importance of care and attention in fostering professional growth.

FAQs

How can I use "build a career" in a sentence?

You can use "build a career" in sentences like: "She hopes to "build a career" in medicine" or "The company offers opportunities to "build a career" within the organization".

What's a good alternative to "build a career"?

Alternatives include "develop a career", "establish a career", or "forge a career", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "build a career" in formal writing?

Yes, "build a career" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing long-term professional goals or opportunities. It conveys a sense of commitment and development.

What is the difference between "build a career" and "find a job"?

"Build a career" implies a long-term commitment to professional development and advancement, while "find a job" refers to securing employment, often without the same emphasis on growth.