build up strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build up strength" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're trying to describe how someone is getting stronger, either physically or mentally. For example: "After months of hard work, the athlete was able to build up strength and win the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As you build up strength, extend yourself by walking and running in intervals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Yankees have shut down catcher Austin Romine except for exercises to build up strength in his injured back.

The New York Times - Sports

"You don't build up strength by going barefoot, you just increase the likelihood of having a deformity," Dr. Abramsohn said.

The New York Times

"My life is too nice," said Hingis, who bristled when asked if she would ever think of taking supplements to help her build up strength.

The New York Times - Sports

Smith has spent so much time in a hospital bed and then sitting down that he will have to work to build up strength in the leg.

The Washington Post

Those fields would gradually build up strength until, zap, serious sparks start to fly, which in turn would vaporize particles of soil.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

We've built up strength in executing our business model, not creating new ones.

University of California, Berkeley

Having trimmed its headcount sharply and upgraded its risk-management systems to cope with a boom in mortgage lending, OTP has built up strength at home.

The Economist

Barker had four operations, consulted and had rehab sessions with specialists in Germany and America as well as at home, and slowly, slowly, slowly built up strength in his knee over an excruciating period of time.

The Guardian - Sport

Sotheby's and Christie's have built up strengths in different fields.

Forbes

Build up your arm strength.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual process, use "build up strength" to emphasize the incremental improvement over time.

Common error

Avoid implying instant results. Building strength is typically a gradual process. For quicker results use verbs like gain or harness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build up strength" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a noun or pronoun to indicate the action of gradually increasing one's physical or mental power. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

32%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build up strength" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes a process of incremental improvement in physical or mental capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, wiki and science. While it is generally neutral in register, it is important to avoid implying instant results, as building strength typically requires sustained effort. Related phrases, such as "increase physical power" or "develop physical resilience", can be used to add nuance or specificity to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Increase physical power

Focuses specifically on physical power, omitting the 'build up' aspect.

Amplify physical endurance

Highlights endurance, a specific aspect of strength.

Develop physical resilience

Emphasizes resilience as the outcome of building strength.

Maximize physical prowess

Emphasizes achieving peak physical condition.

Enhance bodily fortitude

More formal and emphasizes fortitude.

Improve physical fitness

Focuses on overall fitness rather than just strength.

Accumulate physical might

More forceful and aggressive connotation.

Boost muscularity

Focuses narrowly on muscular development.

Cultivate inner resilience

Shifts the focus from physical to mental or emotional strength.

Fortify one's capabilities

Broadens the scope to include any type of capability, not just strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "build up strength" to describe improving physical or mental capabilities over time. For example: "The athlete worked hard to build up strength for the competition."

What are some alternatives to "build up strength"?

Some alternatives include "increase physical power", "develop physical resilience", or "enhance bodily fortitude", depending on the desired nuance.

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

"Build up strength" implies a gradual process of improvement, while "increase strength" is more general. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize the incremental nature of the improvement.

What's the difference between "build up strength" and "gain strength"?

"Build up strength" suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to improve, while "gain strength" can imply a more passive or natural acquisition of strength.