built upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is based on or developed from a particular foundation or idea. Example: "The new policy is built upon the principles of fairness and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The health reforms can be built upon.

The Economist

Conservative morality is built upon all them.

The Economist

Baseball is a game built upon disappointment.

The New Yorker

"2Face" was built upon a clever idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Those relationships can be built upon.

The New York Times

It built upon itself like an avalanche.

The New York Times - Sports

But the shops are what the brand is built upon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is what the unique folklore is built upon.

The Guardian - Travel

They are built upon it like ancient burial grounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He came in and built upon what we do well.

The New York Times - Sports

It is what our economy is built upon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "built upon" to clearly indicate that an idea, system, or structure is based on a preceding foundation or principle. Ensure the relationship between the base and the resulting structure is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid shifting between past and present tenses when describing something that is "built upon". Maintain consistency to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built upon" functions as a transitive phrasal verb in the passive voice. It indicates that something has been developed or constructed using a specific base or foundation. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "built upon" is a versatile and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the concept of something being developed or based on an existing foundation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most often in "News & Media" and scientific contexts. When writing, it's important to maintain consistent tense to prevent confusion. Alternatives such as "based on" or "founded on" can be used depending on the specific context to show incremental development, elaboration, or construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on

Indicates a direct dependence or derivation from a particular source or idea.

developed upon

Emphasizes the evolution or advancement from an initial stage or concept.

founded on

Highlights the establishment of something with a specific basis or principle.

established upon

Emphasizes the firm and stable foundation that something is based on.

constructed on

Focuses on the process of assembling or creating something on a specific base.

predicated on

Suggests that something is affirmed or based on certain assumptions or conditions.

rest on

Highlights the reliance or dependence of something on a particular base or condition.

hinges on

Implies that the outcome or success of something depends significantly on something else.

reliant on

Directly states the dependence on something for support or function.

grown out of

Indicates a gradual development or evolution from an initial state or concept.

FAQs

What does "built upon" mean?

The phrase "built upon" means to develop or expand something using an existing foundation or idea as a base.

How can I use "built upon" in a sentence?

You can use "built upon" to show that something is based on a particular foundation. For example: "The new theory is "based on" years of research and is "built upon" previous findings."

What are some alternatives to "built upon"?

Alternatives to "built upon" include "based on", "founded on", or "developed from". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "build on" instead of "built upon"?

Yes, "build on" can be used in some contexts, but it generally implies a more ongoing or continuous process of development. "Built upon" suggests a more completed or established foundation.