build up speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"build up speed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to gradually increase the rate at which something is moving. Example: The car slowly built up speed as it cruised down the highway. Other possible examples: 1. The athlete had to build up speed before attempting the long jump. 2. The roller coaster climbed the steep hill, ready to build up speed for the thrilling drop. 3. I had to build up speed on my bike to make it up the steep hill. 4. The train began to build up speed as it left the station. 5. The skier built up speed as she navigated down the snowy slope.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"You'd prefer not to have roads leading directly into places, so you can't build up speed".

The New York Times

For several laps, the cyclists ride behind him, taking advantage of the windbreak he offers to build up speed.

The New Yorker

The second lap requires commitment to a key move in order to build up speed and establish position for the final sprint.

The New York Times - Sports

I was careful to build up speed as I approached the hill, and to begin shifting down as the incline steepened.

The New York Times - Travel

The skiers build up speed on the inrun, which leads to various ramps and a landing hill with an incline of 34° to 39° and a length of about 100 feet (30 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The skiers build up speed on the inrun, which leads to various ramps and a landing hill with an incline of 34° 39° and a length of 30 metres (100 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

What a performance from Cockroft - the Halifax native who was the first ever athlete to break a gold medal in this stadium (during the test event) adds a Paralympics gold to her World title, accelerates quite slowly but slowly builds up speed to push herself over the finish line several chair lengths ahead of her nearest rival.

The Guardian - Sport

That stream of plasma generates steady, efficient thrust that uses low amounts of propellant and builds up speed over time.

Huffington Post

Lawson, erect in her chair, builds up speed to move toward Sheppard, rolling up and hovering just over her body.

Vice

Those that do, however, will slowly build their snowball until it builds up speed and helps them achieve their financial goals.

WikiHow

To be clear, you can use your bike's higher gears, but you should only shift into them gradually after you've already built up speed.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or activity where gradual acceleration is important, use "build up speed" to emphasize the progressive increase in velocity. For example, "The cyclist had to build up speed to climb the steep hill."

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure the subject performing the action of building up speed. For instance, instead of "Speed was built up by the car", write "The car built up speed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build up speed" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of gradually increasing velocity. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's commonly used to describe how something accelerates over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "build up speed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of gradually increasing velocity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from describing the acceleration of a vehicle to the progress of an athlete. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives such as "increase velocity" or "gain momentum" exist, "build up speed" specifically emphasizes the progressive nature of the increase. Common usage patterns reveal that the phrase appears most often in news and media, as well as in instructional or informational contexts. To ensure effective writing, avoid passive voice constructions and focus on clear, direct statements when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase velocity

Focuses on the rate of change of position, emphasizing a more scientific or technical perspective.

gain momentum

Highlights the increasing force or impetus behind a movement or process, rather than just speed.

accelerate

A single-word verb that directly implies increasing speed. It is more concise but can be less descriptive.

pick up pace

Similar to "build up speed" but emphasizes rhythm or tempo. Often used in running or other continuous activities.

gather pace

Emphasizes gradual accumulation of speed or momentum, suggesting a more natural or organic process.

step on the gas

An idiomatic expression referring to accelerating, particularly in a vehicle. It's more informal.

ramp up the velocity

Emphasizes a gradual and controlled increase in speed, suggesting a planned or deliberate action.

boost speed

Focuses on a rapid or significant increase in velocity, implying a forceful or energetic action.

develop momentum

Emphasizes the process of creating or enhancing the force or impetus behind a movement or process.

quicken

A single word referring to accelerating. It's more concise but can be less descriptive.

FAQs

How can I use "build up speed" in a sentence?

You can use "build up speed" to describe a gradual increase in velocity. For example, "The train needed a long stretch of track to build up speed" or "The runner started slowly to build up speed for the final sprint".

What are some alternatives to "build up speed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "increase velocity", "gain momentum", or "accelerate".

Is it better to say "build up speed" or "increase speed"?

Both phrases are correct, but "build up speed" often implies a more gradual and progressive increase, whereas "increase speed" is a more general term. For example, saying, "The car built up speed as it entered the highway" suggests a gradual process, while "The car increased speed" is more direct.

What's the difference between "build up speed" and "gather pace"?

"Build up speed" focuses on the increase in velocity, while "gather pace" emphasizes the rhythm or tempo of an activity. For example, a runner might "build up speed" during a race, while a story might "gather pace" as the plot intensifies.