built up steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built up steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time. Example: "The company's profits have been built up steadily over the past five years, reflecting its growth and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I think [overstating the link between climate change and the Arab Spring] is a bit patronising to the political movements that focussed purely on political change and fighting political injustice, that were built up steadily over time as a response to the political situation in their countries, and that were ultimately the main engines of unrest in the Arab uprisings".

The Guardian

At the same time, North Korean pressure built up steadily north of P'ohang-dong, where the NK 5th Division fed replacements on to Hill 99 in front of the ROK 23rd Regiment.

Wikipedia

These have built up steadily since the start of the global financial crisis nine years ago, a period that has seen Italy's national output fall by 10%.

The Guardian

"When I took over the book fair 12 years ago there was already a Chinese publishing presence, and since then it's built up steadily.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fat, of course, will build up steadily and continuously on any body if the owner of that body simply eats more calories than they burn and takes no exercise.

The Guardian

Don't go to hard for the first month-stick with your program and build up steadily.

WikiHow

Since opening in January, the club has steadily built up a clientele by presenting a mix of national acts and top regional bands.

The New York Times

It wasn't just that the aria was brilliantly sung but also that it was so effective as an endpoint bringing the release of tension that had steadily built up.

The New York Times

Long known as a private equity powerhouse, K.K.R. has steadily built up other businesses that diversify its operations, moves arising in part from the firm's transformation into a publicly traded company.

The New York Times

Sediment had built up.

The New York Times

The layers built up.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "built up steadily" to describe processes or entities that have shown consistent growth or accumulation over a period of time. This conveys a sense of reliability and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "built up steadily" in contexts where a rapid or sudden increase is more appropriate. The phrase implies a gradual and consistent process, so it may not fit scenarios involving abrupt changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built up steadily" functions as a compound verb phrase, indicating a process of gradual and consistent increase or accumulation over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "built up steadily" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes a gradual and consistent process of increase or accumulation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, although less frequent than other similar phrases. Ludwig's analysis shows its prevalence in news and media, wiki pages, and academic writings, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of gradual and consistent growth, avoiding its application in scenarios involving rapid or abrupt changes. Alternatives such as "gradually accumulated" or "increased gradually" may offer similar meanings with slightly different emphases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily increased

Similar to the original, but with a slight shift in emphasis, focusing on the steady nature of the increase.

increased gradually

Directly states the gradual increase, focusing on the rise in quantity or intensity.

accumulated incrementally

Combines the idea of accumulation with incremental steps, emphasizing both aspects.

gradually accumulated

Focuses on the gradual accumulation aspect, emphasizing the process of gathering something over time.

grew continuously

Focuses on the uninterrupted growth, suggesting a constant and ongoing process.

developed slowly

Emphasizes the slow pace of development, suitable for processes or projects.

expanded consistently

Highlights the consistent expansion, suggesting a reliable and continuous growth.

advanced gradually

Highlights the forward movement and the gradual nature of the advancement.

progressed incrementally

Highlights the incremental nature of the progress, suggesting small steps forward.

slowly accrued

Emphasizes the slow accumulation of something, often implying a gradual gathering of value or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "built up steadily" in a sentence?

Use "built up steadily" to describe a gradual increase or accumulation over time. For example, "The company's profits "built up steadily" over the past five years" or "Her reputation as a skilled negotiator "built up steadily" throughout her career."

What are some alternatives to "built up steadily"?

Alternatives include "gradually accumulated", "increased gradually", or "progressed incrementally". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "steadily built up" or "built up steadily"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and usable. "Steadily built up" places more emphasis on the consistent manner of building, while "built up steadily" emphasizes the gradual accumulation. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What does "built up steadily" imply about the process being described?

"Built up steadily" implies a gradual, consistent, and reliable increase or accumulation over time. It suggests a process that is stable and predictable, rather than one characterized by sudden or erratic changes.