built on each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built on each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a relationship between two or more elements that are connected in an organized and thoughtful way. For example, "The success of our organization is based on the principles we have built on each other over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

For at least one student, "that the labs built on each other … added a hint of 'danger' in the beginning if something wasn't done properly".

CBE Life Sciences Education

"They all built on each other.

The Guardian

"The two views built on each other," Mr. Taruskin added.

The New York Times

"I feel comfortable," Ms. Bianchi said, "that I've had a lot of experiences that, though they were quick, have built on each other".

The New York Times

The volume of proofs and theorems that have built on each other since the ancient Greeks is now so huge, and so diverse, that there is no choice but to specialise early on if you want to reach the highest level.

The Guardian

The choreographers divided up the music -- Brahms's Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel -- and worked in adjoining studios, then built on each other's work together.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"By bringing this content online and making it accessible, scientists can avoid repeating their peers' mistakes and easily build on each other's findings".

TechCrunch

Like open source software, enabling creators to easily build on each others work will mean even greater things are created.

TechCrunch

Although it is beyond the scope of this article to explore the other 10 steps, it is clear that the steps gradually build on each other to help one to acknowledge weaknesses, take inventory of strengths, and to maximize one's ability to live the best one can, one day at a time.

Clinical interventions in aging

The editors thus agreed to merge the journals into one to combine efforts and build on each other's strengths.

Geothermal Energy

It's almost as if you're witnessing each comic actually build on each other's thoughts and even respond to one another.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "built on each other" to illustrate how concepts, skills, or achievements are layered, with each level requiring mastery of the previous one. This emphasizes a structured and progressive development.

Common error

Avoid using "built on each other" when describing unrelated or simultaneous events. This phrase implies a direct dependency and progression, so ensure the context reflects this sequential relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built on each other" functions as a connector indicating a sequential relationship where one element depends on or develops from another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction emphasizes a structured and progressive development. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate this use across various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "built on each other" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to describe sequential relationships where one element depends on or develops from another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, indicating a structured and progressive development. While alternatives like "mutually reinforcing" or "sequentially developed" exist, "built on each other" specifically conveys dependency and accumulation. Remember to use it when illustrating layered concepts or skills, avoiding misuse in non-sequential contexts to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each depending on the other

Directly states the mutual reliance between elements, focusing on their interdependence.

mutually reinforcing

Implies that elements strengthen each other reciprocally, rather than one simply building upon the other.

sequentially developed

Focuses on the order of development, highlighting that one thing comes after another in a specific sequence.

each contributing to the next

Highlights how each element provides something that is essential for the next element in the sequence.

interdependently constructed

Emphasizes the mutual dependence and construction of elements, suggesting a more active and collaborative building process.

cumulatively advanced

Highlights the accumulation of progress over time, suggesting a steady and gradual advancement.

hinging on each other

Suggests that the elements are closely and crucially connected, with each depending on the other for success or stability.

progressively unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development, where each stage reveals more as it builds.

one thing leads to another

Implies a chain reaction or sequence of events, where each event naturally follows from the previous one.

growing incrementally

Focuses on the gradual increase or growth over time, highlighting the small steps of development.

FAQs

How can I use "built on each other" in a sentence?

You can use "built on each other" to describe how skills, concepts, or events are sequentially linked, with each step relying on the previous one. For example, "The courses are designed so that each lesson "builds on each other", ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge."

What's the difference between "built on each other" and "related to each other"?

"Built on each other" indicates a hierarchical or sequential dependency, while "related to each other" simply means there's a connection without implying that one directly supports or precedes the other.

Which is correct, "build on each other" or "built upon each other"?

Both "build on each other" and "built upon each other" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. However, "build on each other" is more common and concise.

What can I say instead of "built on each other" to describe mutual reinforcement?

You could use phrases like "mutually reinforcing", "interdependent", or "synergistic" to describe elements that strengthen each other.