built on top of

USAGE SUMMARY

"built on top of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to mean that something is constructed upon the foundation of something else. For example, "The new brewery was built on top of the old mill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If fifteen houses are built on top of one another, which one is the most important?

The New Yorker

/ On the surface of this country is the one they built on top of it.

The New Yorker

Researchers may also reuse parts of workflows, and new workflows can be built on top of existing ones.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

A lot of innovation is also built on top of the dominant platforms.

The New York Times

Everything is layers on layers built on top of each other, and that provides tremendous robustness".

The New Yorker

The park, which runs between 137th and 145th Streets, was built on top of the plant.

The New York Times

Something gets destroyed and something new and exciting is built on top of it.

The New York Times

Pizza Moto, a wood-burning oven built on top of a boat trailer, will sell pizza.

The New York Times - Food

The most familiar is WiFi, the standard built on top of the IEEE's 802.11 wireless protocol.

The Economist

Apartments for resident artists were built on top of new greenhouses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What will developers build on top of our genetic data?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "built on top of", ensure that the relationship between the two elements is clear. Specify what is being built and what it is being built upon for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "built on top of" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the physical imagery doesn't translate well. Opt for alternatives like "based on" or "derived from" for more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built on top of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship of superposition or dependence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes something physically or conceptually constructed upon another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "built on top of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a relationship of superposition, where one thing is constructed or layered upon another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what's being built and what serves as the foundation. Alternatives like "based on" or "derived from" may be more appropriate in abstract contexts. While generally neutral, formality depends on the overall vocabulary. The phrase is prevalent, indicating its significance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructed upon

Focuses more on the physical act of building or assembling something on a base.

layered upon

Emphasizes the sequential addition of layers, suggesting complexity and depth.

based upon

Stresses the foundational aspect, where something relies on a preceding element.

developed from

Highlights the evolutionary aspect of building something from an earlier version.

superimposed on

Suggests placing something over another, often with a sense of imposing or overlaying.

founded on

Highlights the basis or justification for something's existence.

overlaid with

Similar to superimposed, but with more emphasis on covering the underlying element.

erected atop

A more formal and literary way of saying something is built on the summit of something else.

grew out of

Suggests a natural progression or organic development from an initial state.

nested within

Implies that one structure is fully contained or encompassed within another.

FAQs

How can I use "built on top of" in a sentence?

You can use "built on top of" to describe something that is physically or conceptually constructed upon something else. For example, "The new application is "built on top of" a pre-existing framework".

What is a good alternative to "built on top of"?

Alternatives include "based on", "derived from", or "constructed upon depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "built on top of" or should I use another phrase?

"Built on top of" is a correct and commonly used phrase. The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you emphasize the foundation, use "based on". If you want to emphasize the building process, use "constructed upon".

What is the difference between "built on top of" and "based on"?

"Built on top of" typically implies a more direct and physical construction or layering, whereas "based on" is more abstract and refers to a conceptual foundation or origin.