build back

USAGE SUMMARY

"build back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of rebuilding something after it has been damaged, destroyed, or otherwise lost. For example: After the hurricane, many of the homes in the affected areas had to be completely rebuilt, but with hard work and determination, the community was able to build back better than before.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We want to build back – not just buildings, but human beings," he says.

Unicef

It does build back up in the end.

The New York Times - Arts

"It took time to build back up," she said.

The New York Times

It's slowly beginning to build back up again".

The Guardian

The guiding notion was to "build back better".

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to continue to build back the trust".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'd have to remove everything and build back up again".

The New Yorker

It will take some time before we build back confidence," he said.

Independent

Moscow will then have to decide whether to build back up to that limit.

The New York Times

"We think it's an opportunity to build back in a more robust way," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or build-back, to Begovic in goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build back", consider specifying what you are rebuilding to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of just saying "we need to build back", specify "we need to build back the economy" or "we need to build back trust".

Common error

Avoid using "build back" as a generic term for improvement without a clear link to a prior state of damage or loss. Ensure there's a tangible element of restoration involved, not just general progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build back" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a separable transitive verb. It requires an object (what is being built back) to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the process of restoring something to a previous state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build back" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying restoration after damage or loss. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in contexts related to news, business, and general information. Its frequency is categorized as "very common", showing its prevalent use in modern English. While alternatives like "rebuild" or "restore" exist, "build back" specifically implies a return to a previous state, sometimes with improvements, as in the phrase "build back better". When using "build back", specifying the object being rebuilt enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebuild

A more general term for constructing again after damage or destruction.

reconstruct

Implies a more systematic and organized rebuilding process.

restore

Focuses on returning something to its original condition.

recover

Emphasizes regaining something lost, such as health or strength.

redevelop

Focuses on improving or modernizing an area or structure during rebuilding.

regenerate

Suggests renewal and growth, often in a biological or societal context.

revitalize

Implies bringing new energy and life to something that was declining.

reestablish

Emphasizes the act of setting something up again, often a business or organization.

reconstitute

Highlights the process of forming something again from its component parts.

renovate

Focuses on repairing and improving the condition of a building or space.

FAQs

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

You can use "build back" to describe the process of restoring something after it has been damaged or destroyed. For example, "The community is working to "build back" after the devastating earthquake".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rebuild", "restore", or "recover". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the restoration process.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being built back?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being built back often enhances clarity and provides context. It helps the audience understand the scope and focus of the restoration efforts.

What is the difference between "build back" and "build back better"?

"Build back" simply refers to rebuilding something to its previous state, while "build back better" implies rebuilding in a way that improves upon the previous state, making it more resilient or sustainable.