build on

USAGE SUMMARY

"build on" is an acceptable and common phrase in written English.
It means to use as a foundation for further development. For example, "We will build on our successes and use them to move forward with our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something for us to really build on".

The New York Times - Sports

"This has been something to build on".

The New York Times - Sports

And I can really build on that".

Science Magazine

"Independence lets us build on that.

BBC

That's something to build on".

Los Angeles Times

"You build on every start".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't build on expectations".

The New York Times

It can build on this.

The New York Times - Sports

Now build on that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We'll build on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Build on tradition.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build on", ensure that the foundation you are referring to is clearly established for the reader. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "build on" when you are actually replacing or fundamentally changing something, rather than adding to it. Ensure there is a clear continuation or progression from the original base.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "build on" functions as a dynamic verb construction, indicating an action of further development or expansion. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests using something as a foundation for additional growth. This usage is consistent with the numerous examples provided, illustrating its role in expressing progressive advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "build on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the idea of further developing or expanding something from an existing base. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general discussions. While alternatives like "expand upon" or "develop further" exist, "build on" remains a straightforward and effective choice for conveying progressive advancement. It's important to ensure that the base foundation is well-established to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "build on" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to communicate the concept of growth and development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expand upon

Focuses on providing greater detail or depth.

Develop further

Emphasizes the process of growth and advancement.

Elaborate on

Suggests adding more information or complexity.

Take advantage of

Highlights using an existing opportunity for further gain.

Leverage

Implies using something to its maximum potential for advancement.

Use as a springboard

Suggests using something as a starting point for greater achievement.

Carry forward

Emphasizes continuing progress from a certain point.

Add to

Simply involves making an addition to what already exists.

Progress from

Highlights moving ahead from a previous state or accomplishment.

Cultivate

Implies nurturing and developing something carefully over time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "build on" is used to describe the act of adding to or developing something further from an existing foundation. For example, "We can "build on" our initial success by expanding our product line."

What are some alternatives to "build on"?

Alternatives to "build on" include "expand upon", "develop further", or "elaborate on", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

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

Yes, "build upon" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "build on" and carries the same meaning. Both phrases are grammatically correct and interchangeable in most contexts.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "build on"?

The phrase "build on" is suitable in contexts where you are discussing progress, development, or expansion based on previous work, achievements, or ideas. It's commonly used in business, academic, and general discussions.