does not build up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not build up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something fails to accumulate, increase, or develop over time. Example: "The lack of consistent effort in the project does not build up the necessary skills for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Furthermore, the gain does not build up over time but has already occurred.

The Economist

It is usually offered as group term insurance, which is in force only for a specified period of time and which does not build up any cash value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So instead of using CO2 to build sugars and getting rid of oxygen, which is what happens in photosynthesis, it sometimes uses oxygen, does not build up the sugars and gets rid of CO2 (a process called photorespiration).

The Economist

Atmospheric nitrogen contains about 1 percent argon, a totally inert gas, which must be removed from time to time so that it does not build up in the system indefinitely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That in itself was a surprise to seismologists, because there have not been any known magnitude-8 earthquakes around the Tonga trench, where the Pacific plate slips beneath the Australian plate, leading seismologists to believe that the fault there is well lubricated and does not build up enough stress to generate great earthquakes.

The New York Times - Science

Unlike other top cell phone manufacturers, Xiaomi does not build up a large inventory of products prior to their launch.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The loose-jointed screenplay by Javed Jabbar and Mohammad Ahmed doesn't build up conventional dramatic tension and makes eccentric narrative leaps that undercut its continuity.

The New York Times

"You control the flow by the angle of the can, pouring at a slow and constant pace so foam doesn't build up".

The New York Times - Tech

On the other hand, microwave energy doesn't build up at the surface the way ordinary heat does, so it doesn't brown the food; its effect is more like steaming.

The New York Times - Food

"If a mayor doesn't build up his standing by being a player in public life, when the crisis comes, he doesn't have a reserve to draw on".

The New York Times

Do this soon and often so tension doesn't build up and lead to insurmountable problems.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing preventive measures, use "does not build up" to emphasize the importance of avoiding accumulation, such as in health contexts like preventing plaque build-up or stress accumulation.

Common error

Avoid using "does not build up" when an active voice and a different verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The company does not build up inventory", consider "The company minimizes inventory" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not build up" functions as a negative verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show it's used to indicate the absence of accumulation, increase, or development. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not build up" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the absence of accumulation, increase, or development. As demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig, this phrase is common in various contexts, including news, wiki articles, and scientific publications. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. While often used in a neutral register, remember to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "does not build up" and more formal alternatives like "does not accumulate". Pay attention to the potential misuse in active constructions, opting for more direct verbs when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not accumulate

Replaces "build up" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the lack of accumulation.

does not increase

Focuses on the lack of growth or rise in quantity or intensity.

does not develop

Highlights the absence of progression or advancement.

fails to accumulate

Uses a more emphatic verb ("fails") to stress the lack of accumulation.

does not escalate

Suggests that something isn't intensifying or growing more serious.

remains constant

Indicates that something stays at the same level without increasing.

does not amass

Similar to "accumulate" but emphasizes the gathering or collecting of something.

is not generated

Focuses on the absence of creation or production.

does not form

Highlights the absence of something taking shape or being created.

is not stored

Emphasizes that something is not being kept or accumulated for later use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "does not build up" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "does not accumulate", "fails to amass", or "does not develop" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "does not build up" and "does not accumulate"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of accumulation, "does not build up" is generally more informal and can refer to both physical and abstract things. "Does not accumulate" is often used in more formal or technical contexts and emphasizes a gradual increase over time.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "does not build up"?

The phrase "does not build up" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, in certain contexts, a more precise or formal alternative might be preferable. Always consider your audience and the desired tone of your writing.

How to use "does not build up" in a sentence?

You can use "does not build up" to describe something that doesn't accumulate over time. For example, "Regular cleaning ensures that dust "does not build up" on surfaces" or "This medication helps ensure that cholesterol "does not build up" in the arteries."