build towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"build towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the gradual progress of something over time, especially when the progress leads to a desired goal or achievement. For example, "The company has been building towards a successful IPO for the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sustainable success is what we're trying to build towards.

The Guardian - Sport

Gradually, the offences and retaliations build towards full-scale war.

The Guardian - Film

Luxury and comfort is something that we build towards," he says.

The Guardian

Some movies crescendo – they methodically build and build towards a cacophonous fever pitch.

The Guardian - Film

"We need to build towards the finals, we cannot just show up in France next August.

Independent

"There's nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards".

Independent

Season seven is starting to build towards a climax and is changing up the pace.

Independent

One of the things it allows you to do is to build towards a longer time horizon.

The New Yorker

Demand for a new sort of flexible study that helps students build towards successful careers is very strong.

The Guardian

I'll give insights into our learnings along the way and the challenges we face as we build towards that future.

Stanford University

It's important to me to maintain peace, build towards consensus and not appear disrespectful to senior employees.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "build towards" when you want to emphasize a gradual and sustained effort in achieving a specific outcome or goal. For example, instead of saying "We are planning for the future", you can say "We are building towards a sustainable future".

Common error

Avoid using "build towards" as a simple synonym for "plan" or "think about". The phrase specifically implies active construction and progress, not just conceptualization. For instance, it's more accurate to say "We are planning a new marketing campaign" than "We are building towards a new marketing campaign" if the actual development process hasn't commenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build towards" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of incremental development or progression directed at achieving a specific aim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a gradual movement to a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build towards" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe a gradual progression or effort directed at achieving a specific goal. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates an incremental movement to a desired outcome. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its versatility and neutral formality. To enhance writing clarity, consider the subtle nuances of related phrases like "work toward" or "move toward", and avoid using "build towards" when a simple plan or concept is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work toward

Focuses on the effort and labor involved in moving closer to a goal.

move toward

Implies a direction or trend of progress.

progress toward

Highlights the advancement and development aspects.

strive for

Emphasizes ambition and the effort to achieve something, often against resistance.

aim for

Suggests a specific target or objective.

head for

Implies a direct route and clear destination.

develop into

Focuses on the gradual change and growth into something.

cultivate

Suggests careful nurturing and development over time.

foster

Emphasizes encouraging and supporting growth.

lay the groundwork for

Focuses on preparing a foundation for future success.

FAQs

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

The phrase "build towards" indicates a gradual progression toward a specific goal. For example, "The team is working hard to "build towards" a championship win" shows continuous effort aimed at achieving a defined result.

What are some alternatives to "build towards"?

You can use alternatives such as "work toward", "move toward", or "progress toward" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "build towards" and "aim for"?

"Build towards" implies a step-by-step approach, whereas "aim for" suggests targeting a specific outcome directly. "Build towards" emphasizes the process, while "aim for" emphasizes the objective.

Which is correct, "build towards a goal" or "build to a goal"?

"Build towards a goal" is generally more appropriate because it emphasizes the continuous effort and directionality. "Build to a goal" can sound less natural, although it might be acceptable in some contexts where a final, culminating action is implied.