builds

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'builds' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to construct or create something by adding parts or materials together, or to increase or improve something. Example sentence: She builds her own business from the ground up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The most important thing for Iranian businesses is new and more transparent corporate communications that can support relationship building with multinational firms in a way that builds public trust," he said.

The Guardian

Other features include automatically emailing you when your builds finish, and updating the widget on GitHub pull requests with the build status.

The Guardian

People who are systematically oppressed do have to work harder than those who are privileged, and the positive spin is often that it builds character.

The Guardian - Opinion

It purports to be objective and rational yet it builds in so many assumptions that it leads inevitably to the conclusion that animal experiments are necessary.

The Guardian

Suspense builds up until (*spoiler alert*) Mount Vesuvius erupts in a red column of flame, showering fiery rain down on the children and forcing them to flee for their lives.

The Guardian

His tastes are harder to pin down: seemingly willing to turn his hand to whatever his clients desire, he builds folksy cottages in the Chilterns with one hand, while erecting soaring glass totems in China with the other.

The Guardian - Arts

Again, it builds towards a brilliant, unashamedly massive chorus that separates them from the blog pack.

The Guardian - Music

So the Financial Times's splash is headlined Cameron builds on Right to Buy in effort to regain the edge from Miliband and its leading article, unimpressed with Labour's financial pledges, is headlined Miliband's belated vow to do his fiscal homework.

The Guardian

The announcement builds on changes revealed in April, with a notable exception that the scheme will not require 52 weeks of work from participants to receive full welfare payments.

The Guardian

Its recovery, which builds on an increase in numbers in 2013, raises hopes that this large, dynamic butterfly is no longer heading towards extinction.

The Guardian

The story is straightforward: boy builds snowman; snowman comes to life; charming high-jinks ensue; snowman melts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "builds" when you want to emphasize the gradual process of creating or developing something, whether it's a physical structure or an abstract concept.

Common error

While "builds" is versatile, avoid relying on it too heavily in formal contexts. Consider stronger synonyms like "establishes", "constructs", or "develops" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "builds" primarily functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "build". It indicates an action performed by a singular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "builds" is a versatile and commonly used verb that signifies the act of constructing, creating, or developing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, from formal reports to casual conversations. While alternatives like "constructs", "develops", and "establishes" can add nuance, "builds" remains a fundamental term for describing progressive creation and growth. With its frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, "builds" is a reliable choice for conveying the idea of development and construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructs

Implies a more formal or deliberate act of creating something physical or conceptual.

develops

Suggests a gradual and progressive growth or advancement.

establishes

Focuses on the act of setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

advances

Focuses on the act of moving something forward or improving its state.

creates

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

fosters

Implies nurturing and promoting the growth of something.

generates

Focuses on producing or bringing forth something.

cultivates

Suggests careful and dedicated effort to develop or improve something.

assembles

Emphasizes putting together different parts to form a whole.

fabricates

Implies creating something complex or intricate, sometimes with an element of artificiality.

FAQs

How can I use "builds" in a sentence?

You can use "builds" to describe the act of constructing something physical, like "He builds houses", or to describe the gradual development of something abstract, like "She builds trust with her clients".

What can I say instead of "builds"?

You can use alternatives like "constructs", "develops", or "establishes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "builds" or "is building"?

Both "builds" and "is building" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Builds" is the simple present tense and describes a habitual action, while "is building" is the present continuous tense and describes an action in progress.

What's the difference between "builds on" and "builds upon"?

Both "builds on" and "builds upon" are acceptable and mean to use something as a foundation or starting point for further development. The choice between them is largely a matter of stylistic preference.