but builds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but builds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a contrast or addition to a previous statement, often in contexts discussing development or improvement. Example: "The new policy reduces costs but builds a stronger team dynamic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike Google, Naver almost never collaborates with smaller companies on new services, but builds everything itself.

The Economist

"Scramble!" starts out a bit hysterical and thin but builds to a solidly funny second act.

The New York Times

Also like Coccyzus, this species is not a brood parasite, but builds a flimsy stick platform in a small tree.

Cornell University

The film begins slowly but builds just before take-off -- Sunday at 1 30 p.m. on TCM.

The New York Times

Mexico has 60% of Brazil's population but builds four times the number of houses, says Sérgio Rossi of Rossi Residencial, a builder.

The Economist

Unlike them, Dell does not use dealers but builds PC systems to order and sells them over the telephone and Internet.

The Economist

The field is grounded in theories and methods drawn from psychology and economics but builds on key insights from organizational behavior, philosophy, statistics, and management science.

Harvard University

It has twice daily meditation sessions and often offers classes on yoga sutras or Vedantic scriptures but builds in four hours of unstructured time a day.

The New York Times - Travel

Peretti pulled the same trick at HuffPo, a site that makes its numbers with boobs but builds its brand on politics.

The Guardian

The paneer (Indian curd cheese) dish harks back to my Punjabi roots, but builds upon them with layers of flavour from elsewhere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Musically it seems simple, but builds up and the whole thing is just fun to listen to while still jarring each time you listen to the actual words.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but builds" to connect a contrasting element with a constructive action. This emphasizes that while there might be a limitation or difference, there is also a positive development or creation occurring.

Common error

Avoid using "but builds" in very short, simple sentences where a more direct conjunction like 'and' or 'while' would be more appropriate. Overuse can make writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but builds" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting contrasting ideas while emphasizing a constructive action. It often appears to introduce a positive development despite a preceding limitation or challenge. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but builds" effectively combines contrast with constructive action, finding widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and frequent usage of this phrase. To maximize impact, use "but builds" when you want to emphasize a positive development despite a contrasting element, and avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences. Consider alternatives like "yet constructs" or "while developing" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "but builds" into your writing to convey nuanced and impactful messages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet constructs

Emphasizes the act of building or creating, similar to "builds", but uses a different verb with a slightly more formal tone.

while developing

Highlights the ongoing process of development, implying a continuous action alongside the contrasting element.

however it establishes

Focuses on the act of setting up or creating something, contrasting with a previous point.

though it fosters

Suggests nurturing or promoting something, adding a nuance of care and growth.

but cultivates

Implies a more refined and careful development process, like nurturing a plant.

instead it forms

Introduces a complete replacement of something, focusing on the new shape or structure being created.

conversely it fabricates

Highlights the act of making or creating something, often implying a complex process.

on the contrary it erects

Emphasizes the act of raising or building something, often implying a structure or system.

in contrast it assembles

Focuses on putting together various parts to create a whole, highlighting the process of assembly.

nonetheless it originates

Highlights the beginning or creation of something, adding a sense of novelty and inception.

FAQs

How can I use "but builds" in a sentence?

Use "but builds" to show a contrast while also highlighting a constructive or developmental action. For example, "The project faced initial setbacks, "but builds" upon previous successes to achieve its goals."

What are some alternatives to "but builds"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "yet constructs", "while developing", or "however it establishes" to express a similar contrasting and constructive relationship.

Is there a difference between "but builds on" and "but builds"?

"But builds on" implies that something is being developed based on a foundation of existing work or ideas, while ""but builds"" more generally indicates a constructive action despite a contrast.

When is it not appropriate to use "but builds"?

Avoid using ""but builds"" when the contrast is insignificant or when the constructive action is not directly related to the contrasting element. In such cases, a simpler conjunction might be more suitable.