build on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that you are using a foundation or existing idea to develop or enhance something further. Example: "We can build on the success of our previous project to create an even more impactful initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Most games you can at least take some positives from and you can build on something but this one there's very little to take from it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now we can build on something, the Auxerre performance wasn't a great one, but we still came good and won well in the end.

The Guardian - Sport

It's time we build on something".

The New York Times - Sports

We're all trying to build on something that was leveled".

The New York Times - Arts

But you can't build on something you are deterimined to knock down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yashin said it was a bit strange being in Ottawa, but added, "I have moved to New York, moved into my new house, and am hoping to build on something with this team".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Maybe a start, or at least something to build on, which no one could say after last year's postseason disaster.

Los Angeles Times

His armaments fortune was built on something very tangible.

The Guardian - Books

Tony Jordan's mishmash adaptation is something new (albeit built on something very old) – making it almost inevitable that it would divide audiences.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sometimes, different models can lead to different relationships between performers, audiences and venues that are built on something other than a monetary exchange for a commodity.

The Guardian

For decades they were brutalized by imperialism, but their politics and their view of their place in the world seem built on something other than victimhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "build on something" when you want to emphasize the continuity and progression of an idea or project, highlighting how it evolves from a prior state.

Common error

Avoid using "build on something" without clearly specifying what that 'something' is. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Always provide a clear antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build on something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often followed by a noun or pronoun, indicating the action of using an existing foundation to create or develop something further. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build on something" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression used to describe the process of developing or expanding upon an existing foundation. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as indicating progress and leveraging existing resources. While it enjoys a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what the 'something' refers to. Alternatives like "expand upon" or "leverage something" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expand upon something

Focuses on elaborating or providing more detail about an existing element.

Develop something further

Emphasizes the advancement or improvement of a particular aspect.

Leverage something

Highlights the strategic use of an existing asset or resource for gain.

Capitalize on something

Stresses exploiting an opportunity presented by a pre-existing condition or advantage.

Take advantage of something

Implies benefiting from a situation or resource that is already available.

Further advance something

Highlights continued progress and enhancement of a specific entity or idea.

Elaborate on something

Indicates adding details or explanations to a pre-existing concept or item.

Improve upon something

Focuses on enhancing the quality or performance of something already in place.

Take it from there

Suggests using a current state or point as the starting place for future actions or developments.

Proceed from something

Implies moving forward or continuing based on a current foundation or situation.

FAQs

What does "build on something" mean?

The phrase "build on something" means to use an existing foundation, idea, or achievement as a basis for further development or progress. It suggests leveraging what is already in place to create something greater or more advanced.

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

You can use "build on something" to describe how a new project leverages the successes of a previous one. For example, "We can "expand upon" the existing marketing campaign to reach a wider audience".

What are some alternatives to "build on something"?

Alternatives to "build on something" include "develop further", "expand upon", "leverage something", or "capitalize on something", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "build on something" or "built on something"?

The choice between "build on something" and "built on something" depends on the context. "Build on something" is an active construction, indicating a future action. "Built on something" is a passive construction, describing something already established. For example, "Our success was "built on something" solid", versus "We will "build on something" stable to achieve our goals".