Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
build upon another
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "build upon another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea of developing or expanding on an existing concept, idea, or foundation. Example: "In our research, we aim to build upon another study that highlighted the importance of early childhood education."
✓ Grammatically correct
Life Sciences, Society and Policy
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
This could in turn potentially threaten an innovators' inherent right to build upon another innovators' creation, and tamper with the intricate balance between the appropriation and diffusion of innovations.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
They are for tree guards to be built upon, Another implacable hazard to skirt around.
News & Media
This research builds upon another recent study from the Sunderland lab that developed a new tool to understand the methylmercury sources of fish.
Academia
"It had never occurred to me before," one character says, "but everything in New York is built upon another thing, nothing is entirely by itself, each thing as strange as the last, and connected".
News & Media
All of the book's characters have experienced some form of loss, and one bereaved mother observes that, "everything in New York is built upon another thing, nothing is entirely by itself, each thing as strange as the last, and connected".
News & Media
The Pre-read builds upon another Princeton tradition, the Pre-rade, in which freshmen exit the Opening Exercises ceremony and march onto campus through FitzRandolph Gate to be welcomed by upperclassmen and alumni.
Academia
This launch builds upon another Firefox data project at Mozilla that launched about two years ago, the Firefox Hardware Report, which provides some insights into what processors and graphics card Firefox users use, for example.
News & Media
Like any story, it was a slow boil: one lie built upon another, another action causing a reaction, fear taking over the impulse to do what is right.
News & Media
Sign up now Theget the best of VICE Canada deliveratestraight tofyour inbox.
News & Media
Understand that one step builds upon another.
Wiki
One is integration -- the goals must integrate with one another and the corresponding objectives should build upon one another to accomplish the goals.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "build upon another", ensure the connection between the original concept and the new development is clear to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "build upon another" if the new development significantly deviates from the original concept, as this may mislead the reader about the actual relationship between the two.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "build upon another" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship of dependence or progression. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase connects one element to a pre-existing one, signifying that the former is developed or extended from the latter.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
25%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Wiki
8%
Reference
7%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "build upon another" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe developing something based on a pre-existing foundation. Although Ludwig marks it as valid, its usage is infrequent and is primarily found in academic and scientific contexts. When writing with this phrase, it's important to ensure that the connection between the original idea and the subsequent development is clear. Alternatives like ""expand on another"" or ""develop from another"" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
expand on another
Focuses on broadening the scope or details of something.
develop from another
Highlights the evolutionary aspect, where something originates and grows from a base.
extend from another
Implies stretching or reaching out from an existing foundation.
base on another
Stresses the foundational aspect; using something as the groundwork.
derive from another
Indicates that something originates or is obtained from something else.
stem from another
Suggests that something arises or originates as a consequence of something else.
evolve from another
Highlights the progressive development and transformation from an initial state.
grow out of another
Implies a natural development or progression from one state to another.
build on previous work
Focuses on leveraging existing accomplishments as a starting point.
further develop another
Suggests advancing or elaborating on an initial idea or concept.
FAQs
How can I use "build upon another" in a sentence?
You can use "build upon another" to indicate that a new idea, concept, or structure is developed based on something pre-existing. For example: "This research seeks to build upon another study that explored similar concepts."
What are some alternatives to "build upon another"?
Alternatives include "expand on another", "develop from another", or "base on another", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is it redundant to say "build upon another building"?
While technically correct, it's more concise and clearer to simply say "build on the building" or "expand the building". Avoid unnecessary repetition.
What's the difference between "build upon another" and "build upon each other"?
"Build upon another" implies a sequential development from one specific source, while "build upon each other" suggests a reciprocal relationship where multiple elements mutually enhance one another.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested