build on the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build on the groundwork" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to mean that someone is continuing the progress that has already been made in a certain area, either physically, professionally, or intellectually. For example: "The new software product was created by building on the groundwork of the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He didn't say this, but I suspect the idea is to build on the groundwork Durov has already laid with Telegram, one of the new breed of mobile messaging apps that encrypt your data to keep it safe from prying eyes.

TechCrunch

He didn't say this, but I suspect the idea is to build on the groundwork Durov has already laid with Telegram, one of the new breed of mobile messaging apps that encrypt your data to keep it safe from prying eyes.

TechCrunch

"If they choose me, I'm going to want to build on the groundwork that's been established".

The New York Times - Arts

Coming off an 11-2 season that included a 37-10 victory against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl, Rutgers figures to continue to build on the groundwork laid last season and the season before, when the Scarlet Knights made their first bowl appearance in 27 years.

The New York Times - Sports

"We will work with Peel Ports to attract another operator who can build on the groundwork we have already done".

BBC

With this, the company's second round of funding ("you could call it a Series B" said Kuznetsov in an interview), Gizmox is looking build on the groundwork established by Navot Peled, the founder who had been CEO but is now shifting to hold the title of president.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

With the help of the Republican political operative Robert Ryan, Mr. Catsimatidis is trying to build on that groundwork by sharing and promoting his life story — that of a Greek-born, Harlem-raised, self-made billionaire whose face is familiar to New Yorkers on the advertisements for Gristedes.

The New York Times

I figured working with middle- and high-school youth in SW Detroit would give me some solid groundwork to build on as a future teacher.

Huffington Post

Just as the previous set of solo films built toward the box office blowout for The Avengers, those past efforts and success are helping position the newest films to build on the prior success and lay the groundwork for the next batch of newcomers -- including Ant-Man -- to have higher visibility as well, while the coming Avengers sequel could surpass the amazing performance of its predecessor.

Forbes

Our job in Congress is to build on the progress to date and enact policies that promote job creation and lay the groundwork for the next expansion which will lead to gains in employment, incomes and wealth.

HuffPost

Gradually build on the makeup.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build on the groundwork", ensure that the groundwork is clearly defined and understood by your audience. This provides a solid context for appreciating the subsequent development.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the 'groundwork'. Ensure it genuinely provides a substantial basis for further development, rather than being a minor or irrelevant precursor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build on the groundwork" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of developing or expanding upon an existing foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build on the groundwork" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of expanding or developing something based on a pre-existing foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness. While most commonly found in "News & Media", it is also prevalent in "Science" and "Academic" contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the 'groundwork' is well-defined to enhance clarity and avoid overstating its importance. Related phrases include "build on the foundations" and "expand upon the foundation", offering similar meanings with slight variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build on the foundations

Emphasizes leveraging existing foundations and established structures.

build upon the base

Similar to the original, but uses "base" instead of "groundwork", implying a more structural foundation.

expand upon the foundation

Focuses on extending what is already established, emphasizing growth and increased scope.

develop from the basis

Highlights the initial stage as a starting point for more complex development.

continue from the footing

Implies building directly on the established support, ensuring stability and progression.

advance from the platform

Suggests using a stable and supportive environment to move forward.

leverage existing infrastructure

Specifically refers to utilizing existing systems or resources for advancement.

capitalize on the progress

Emphasizes taking advantage of positive momentum to achieve further success.

further the established principles

Focuses on extending existing beliefs or fundamental ideas.

progress from the starting point

Highlights the initial phase as a basis for future progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "build on the groundwork" to describe how current efforts benefit from previous achievements. For example, "The new marketing campaign aims to "build on the groundwork" laid by the previous team".

What is a good alternative to "build on the groundwork"?

Alternatives include phrases like "build upon the base", "expand upon the foundation", or "leverage existing infrastructure", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "building on the groundwork"?

Yes, "building on the groundwork" is a correct and commonly used gerund phrase. It often introduces a sentence or clause to explain the basis of an action or development.

What's the difference between "build on the groundwork" and "lay the groundwork"?

"Lay the groundwork" means to prepare the initial basis for something, while ""build on the groundwork"" means to further develop something that has already been started. They represent sequential steps in a process.