built up over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built up over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has gradually accumulated or developed over a period. Example: "The trust between the team members was built up over time through consistent communication and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

My feeling is that the benefit built up over time.

The Guardian

It is a two way process, in which trust can be built up over time.

Independent

"Well, it was reflective of a genuine friendship that I think we built up over time.

The New Yorker

Lines of genetically altered animals, like brain banks, are painstakingly built up over time.

The New York Times - Health

The government adopted conventional standard market practices built up over time.

The Guardian - Business

And then there are the expectations, also built up over time.

The New York Times

"The pressures that have built up over time are almost horrific," Mr. Bell said.

The New York Times

Rivalries among the Microsoft divisions have built up over time, sometimes resulting in needless duplication of efforts.

The New York Times - Tech

Profiles are built up over time from responses to daily questions generating a more accurate picture of people's character.

The Guardian - Tech

A stern Victorian, William Beveridge himself was serious about social insurance, properly funded by contributions that built up over time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The envelope function is directly related to the Arias intensity of the ground motion as well to the manner in which this Arias intensity is built-up over time.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the development of skills or expertise, use "built up over time" to emphasize the gradual and consistent effort involved. For example, "Her expertise in data analysis was built up over time through numerous projects and continuous learning."

Common error

Avoid using "built up over time" when describing events that happen suddenly or instantaneously. The phrase is best suited for processes that involve gradual accumulation or development, not immediate occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built up over time" functions as a compound verb phrase, specifically in the past participle form. It describes a process of gradual accumulation or development. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built up over time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe gradual accumulation or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to scientific articles and more informal content. It’s important to use it to emphasize a process rather than an immediate action. Alternatives like "accumulated gradually" or "developed progressively" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. When writing, remember that "built up over time" is best used for processes that gradually increase, not for sudden events. The phrase's frequency across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

built up gradually

Synonymous to the main query but places emphasis on the progressive aspect.

accumulated gradually

Focuses on the accumulation aspect, highlighting the gradual increase in quantity or intensity.

accumulated over the years

Specifically emphasizes the accumulation process across a long period.

developed progressively

Emphasizes the stepwise advancement or evolution of something.

accrued incrementally

Highlights the small, additive increases that contribute to the overall growth.

cultivated slowly

Suggests a deliberate and careful process of growth and development.

established gradually

Focuses on the slow and steady establishment of something over a period.

grew steadily

Implies a consistent and uninterrupted increase in size, amount, or intensity.

materialized slowly

Highlights the gradual realization or appearance of something over time.

evolved gradually

Emphasizes the natural and unhurried development of something over a period.

FAQs

How can I use "built up over time" in a sentence?

Use "built up over time" to describe something that has gradually accumulated or developed. For example, "The museum's collection of artifacts was "amassed over decades"", or "His reputation as a reliable colleague was built up over time through consistent performance and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "built up over time"?

You can use alternatives such as "accumulated gradually", "developed progressively", or "accrued incrementally" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "build up over time" or "built up over time"?

"Build up over time" is the infinitive form, while "built up over time" is the past participle. Use "built" when referring to something that has already happened or developed. For example, "The tension built up over time".

What's the difference between "built up over time" and "happened suddenly"?

"Built up over time" refers to a gradual process of accumulation or development, whereas "happened suddenly" describes an event that occurs quickly and unexpectedly. They are opposites in terms of the time frame involved.