could be built upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be built upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, concepts, or projects that have the potential for further development or enhancement. Example: "The initial research findings are promising and could be built upon to create a more comprehensive study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Other delegates expressed disappointed, but said the agreement could be built upon.

The Guardian

If such gains could be built upon and more effort put into wind and solar energy, the pressure to harness Brazil's river might ease.

The Guardian

It would also be a first step towards a more professional footing for journalism that could be built upon without infringing independence or freedom of the press.

The Guardian

He said there were materials that could be used to reinforce the portions of the palace still standing so that they could be built upon.

The New York Times

By this way, it would be possible to construct an intellectual-individual competency base on which the professional - technical qualifications could be built upon.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

While he acknowledged "the spirit of Paris" in bringing countries together was positive and could be built upon, he said in key aspects it was inadequate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is a strong defender of the settlers and wanted to avoid a confrontation, suggested a compromise — let the residents of Migron remain until a new authorized community could be built nearby where they could relocate upon its completion in 2015.

The New York Times

This acceptance was basic, and laid a foundation in the community upon which other studies could be built" (21 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Indeed, evolutionary-based research can help provide a theoretically grounded basis upon which much public policy could be built.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There are four public and 11 private universities, which could be pillars upon which requisite R4H capacities could be built.

BMC Health Services Research

Nevertheless, all public and private universities constitute pillars upon which requisite R4H capacities could be built or strengthened.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be built upon", ensure that the subject you're referring to has a solid, existing base. This implies the subject is not entirely new but has some established groundwork.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive voice when using "could be built upon". Instead of "The system could be built upon by the team", consider a more active construction like "The team could build upon the system" for a clearer and more direct sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be built upon" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for further development or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The provided examples demonstrate its application in various contexts, ranging from scientific research to political agreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

64%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be built upon" is a versatile phrase indicating the potential for further development, primarily used in News, Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and practical usability of the phrase. When employing "could be built upon", remember to ensure the subject has a foundational base, and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives like "could be expanded" or "could be developed further" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be further developed

Focuses on the aspect of further developing an idea or concept.

could be expanded upon

Emphasizes the idea of increasing the scope or detail of something.

could be improved upon

Highlights the potential for enhancements or modifications.

could be used as a foundation

Highlights the role of providing a base for future work.

could be refined further

Focuses on the improvement of details of something.

could be leveraged

Suggests using something to gain an advantage or achieve a goal.

could be capitalized upon

Emphasizes the act of gaining a benefit from something.

could serve as a starting point

Stresses the introductory nature and future development.

could be taken advantage of

Indicates an opportunity to utilize something beneficial.

could be augmented

Highlights the potential for additions or increased value.

FAQs

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

Use "could be built upon" to suggest that an existing idea, system, or framework has the potential for further development or improvement. For example, "The existing infrastructure "could be built upon" to support future expansion."

What can I say instead of "could be built upon"?

You can use alternatives like "could be expanded", "could be developed further", or "could be used as a foundation" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "could be built upon" or "can be built upon"?

"Could be built upon" suggests a possibility or potential, while "can be built upon" implies a capability or permission. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize possibility or capability.

What is the difference between "could be built upon" and "is built upon"?

"Could be built upon" describes a potential future action or development, whereas "is built upon" describes a current state or existing foundation. For instance, "This theory is built upon established principles, and future research "could be built upon" these findings."