built on

USAGE SUMMARY

"built on" can be used in written English and it is a correct phrase.
It is typically used to describe something that was constructed or established upon an existing foundation or idea. For example: "The new argument was built on a foundation of existing research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this one was built on one.

BBC

I'm built on rock".

The New Yorker

Everything built on that.

The New Yorker

America is built on immigration.

The Economist

It was built on books.

The New York Times - Arts

It built on what existed.

The New Yorker

It is built on distrust.

The New York Times - Sports

Exoticism is built on limitation.

The New Yorker

It's built on shitty pilings.

The New Yorker

"These companies were built on print.

The New York Times

Tiny houses are built on trailer platforms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "built on", ensure the context clearly identifies the foundation or base upon which something is constructed, whether physical or conceptual.

Common error

Avoid using "built on" when the relationship is merely associated or connected, rather than directly constructed or based upon. Use a phrase like "related to" or "associated with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built on" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, specifically the past participle of the verb "build" followed by the preposition "on". Ludwig examples show it describes the foundation or basis upon which something is established or developed. It indicates that something is constructed or dependent on something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built on" is a versatile verbal phrase that signifies something constructed or dependent on a foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is observed across varied contexts but predominantly in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating its use in explanatory and descriptive writing. While alternatives like "based on" and "founded on" exist, "built on" often suggests a tangible construction or direct reliance, highlighting the importance of clearly identifying the foundation in any usage. The phrase is appropriate for neutral registers and can be effectively employed in both literal and figurative senses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based upon

Indicates a foundation or support, similar to "built on", but emphasizes a conceptual rather than physical structure.

founded on

Emphasizes the establishment or creation of something with a specific basis or principle.

constructed upon

Highlights the act of building or assembling something on a pre-existing structure or idea, more formal.

predicated on

Suggests that something is based or dependent on a particular condition or assumption.

reliant on

Focuses on dependence or reliance on something for support or functionality.

dependent on

Highlights the condition of being sustained or determined by something else.

grounded in

Implies a firm basis or foundation in a particular area, often related to knowledge or experience.

hinges on

Suggests that the outcome or success of something is entirely dependent on a single factor.

drawing on

Implies utilizing resources, experience, or knowledge.

stemming from

Highlights the origin or cause of something.

FAQs

How is "built on" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "built on" usually describes something that is developed or constructed based on a particular foundation, principle, or idea. For example, "The company's success was "built on" innovation and customer service".

What are some alternatives to "built on"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use phrases such as "based on", "founded on", "predicated on", or "reliant on".

Is it more appropriate to say "built on" or "based on"?

While both phrases are similar, ""built on"" often implies a physical or structural construction, whereas "based on" is more commonly used for abstract concepts or ideas.

Can "built on" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "built on" can be used both literally, such as "The house was "built on" a solid foundation", and figuratively, such as "Their relationship was "built on" trust and mutual respect".