build on it

USAGE SUMMARY

"build on it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to continue developing a concept or idea, or to create something bigger or better. For example, "This is a great start - let's build on it and see how far we can take it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start with one item, and build on it.

WikiHow

"We'll build on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, we can build on it.

The New York Times

"But can you build on it?

The New York Times - Sports

"Now we have to build on it".

The New York Times - Sports

"Can we build on it?

The New York Times - Sports

You can't build on it.

The New York Times - Travel

why don't we build on it?

Cornell University

We just got to build on it".

The New York Times - Sports

"Now, I have to build on it".

The New York Times - Sports

Now we must build on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "expand upon it" or "develop it further" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "build on it" without a clear antecedent. Ensure that the reader understands what "it" refers to, whether it's an idea, a success, or a previous effort. Without clear context, the phrase can be ambiguous and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build on it" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action to develop, expand, or improve something already existing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It encourages further development of a concept or idea, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build on it" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrasal verb widely used to encourage the further development or expansion of an existing idea, project, or success. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's applicable across various contexts, though most commonly found in news and media. When using "build on it", ensure the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative expressions include "expand upon it" and "develop it further". The key is to leverage the present to achieve greater outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand upon it

This alternative suggests a more detailed or elaborate development of the initial idea.

develop it further

This option directly emphasizes the action of advancing or improving something already in progress.

take it to the next level

Implies advancing beyond the current state, suggesting ambition and significant improvement.

advance from here

Focuses on progressing from the current point, implying a strategic continuation.

elaborate on it

Suggests adding more details or complexity to the existing structure or idea.

use it as a springboard

This suggests leveraging the current situation as a starting point for greater achievements.

grow from there

Implies a gradual and organic development from the present foundation.

improve upon it

Focuses on making enhancements and rectifications to the initial concept or structure.

enhance it

Suggests making something better, usually by adding to or improving it.

capitalize on it

Emphasizes leveraging a positive aspect or opportunity to gain further advantages.

FAQs

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

You can use "build on it" to suggest expanding or developing something further. For instance, "The initial results are promising; now, we need to "build on it" to achieve comprehensive success."

What are some alternatives to saying "build on it"?

Instead of "build on it", consider using phrases like "expand upon it", "develop it further", or "take it to the next level" to convey similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "build on it"?

Yes, "build on it" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of developing or expanding something.

What does "build on it" mean in the context of project management?

In project management, "build on it" means to use existing achievements or milestones as a foundation to further develop the project, leveraging past successes to drive future progress.