build on ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build on ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of taking the ideas that already exist and making improvements or additions upon them. For example, "This research project looks to build on ideas from previous studies in the field to gain a better understanding of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Why does Plato have his dominant characters (Socrates, the Eleatic visitor) reaffirm some of the same points from one dialogue to another, and build on ideas that were made in earlier works?

SEP

Innovation happens most naturally when people get together to build on ideas.

The Guardian

Other proposals build on ideas considered during the first Bush administration and pushed, unsuccessfully, when Bill Clinton was president.

The New York Times

We build on ideas from molecular dynamics simulations and, as a byproduct, give a literature survey of methods for hard sphere molecular dynamics.

Journal of Computational Physics

In practice: Does your marketing campaign build on ideas, feelings, and passion, or does it feel disjointed and disparate?

Stanford University

AI research needs to build on ideas from developmental psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience, and AI models ought to reflect what is already known about how humans learn and understand the world.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Building Blocks of Change is built on ideas Veloux has thought about for a long time.

Vice

Defensible space builds on ideas of territoriality and ownership of space, arising from specific design features, building form, and location, combined with a symbolic understanding of the image of a place.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

There is also no one to share his Methuselan burden.Himself, aloneBecause they tend to be built on ideas, which can run out, Labour governments have generally found it especially tough to stay in office.

The Economist

Her program, built on ideas from a few other pioneers, was a success.

The New York Times

The proposals are largely built on ideas introduced by Tony Blair and then expanded by Gordon Brown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build on ideas", ensure the context clearly indicates which previous ideas are being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "build on ideas" when the concept is entirely new; reserve it for situations where there is a clear continuation or adaptation of existing concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build on ideas" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of developing or expanding upon existing concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing the progressive refinement of thoughts. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build on ideas" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies developing or expanding upon existing concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, spanning from academic and scientific research to news reporting. It's crucial to clearly reference the specific ideas being built upon to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "expand on concepts" or "develop ideas further" for nuanced expression. Remember, the phrase carries the implication of extending existing work, so ensure that the context reflects genuine continuation rather than complete novelty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build upon existing concepts

Uses a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes incremental development.

expand on concepts

Focuses on the act of adding detail and breadth to concepts.

develop ideas further

Emphasizes the progression and advancement of initial ideas.

elaborate on notions

Highlights the detailed explanation and clarification of notions.

advance existing concepts

Stresses the promotion and progression of concepts already in place.

take ideas to the next level

Suggests elevating ideas to a more advanced stage.

refine existing ideas

Focuses on improving ideas through small changes.

augment existing thoughts

Emphasizes the act of supplementing thoughts with additional elements.

leverage existing concepts

Highlights the strategic use of concepts for a specific purpose.

flesh out existing notions

Focuses on adding substance and detail to notions.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "build on ideas", make sure to clearly reference the existing ideas you are expanding upon. For example, "This study will "build on ideas" presented in the previous research, focusing on specific aspects that need further investigation".

What are some alternatives to using "build on ideas"?

Instead of "build on ideas", you could use phrases like "expand on concepts", "develop ideas further", or "elaborate on notions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "built on ideas" or should it be "build on ideas"?

Both "built on ideas" and "build on ideas" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Build on ideas" is used in the present tense or infinitive form, while "built on ideas" is used in the past tense or as a past participle.

How does ""build on ideas"" differ from "rely on ideas"?

"Build on ideas" implies expanding and improving existing concepts, whereas "rely on ideas" suggests depending on existing concepts without necessarily developing them further.