has built up

USAGE SUMMARY

"has built up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a gradual increase over time, such as in the following sentence: The company has built up a loyal customer base over the past five years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Too much pressure has built up".

The New York Times

And Iran has built up cash reserves.

The Washington Post

Politically and culturally, Japan has built up a resilient democracy.

Stanford University

Mr. Buffett has built up enormous clout with investors.

The New York Times

Gady has built up to his real provocation.

The New Yorker

He has built up a significant stake in the firm.

The Economist

But the economy has built up worrying imbalances.

The Economist

He has built up a highly lucrative minerals trafficking operation.

The Guardian

Unum has built up its influence in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

So my thinking has built up from the plate".

The New York Times

Akpabio has built up infrastructure and industrial development.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has built up" to describe a gradual increase or accumulation over time, whether it's referring to tangible assets, intangible qualities, or abstract concepts.

Common error

While "has built up" implies gradual accumulation, avoid using it for processes that occur rapidly or instantaneously. For instance, prefer "generated" over "has built up" when describing immediate consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has built up" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance or effect in the present. It describes a process of gradual accumulation or development. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has built up" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual accumulation or development over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Occurring frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. Related phrases include "has accumulated", "has developed", and "has established", each offering subtle variations in meaning. To use the phrase effectively, remember that it is most appropriate for describing processes with a prolonged timeframe. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, "has built up" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has accumulated

Replaces "built up" with a focus on the collection of something over time.

has developed

Emphasizes the process of growth and maturation.

has established

Highlights the act of setting up or creating something solid.

has fostered

Focuses on nurturing and encouraging growth.

has cultivated

Implies careful development and refinement.

has amassed

Suggests gathering a large quantity of something.

has generated

Highlights the creation or production of something.

has strengthened

Emphasizes making something more robust or powerful.

has expanded

Focuses on increasing in size or scope.

has constructed

Implies a deliberate and methodical process of building.

FAQs

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

You can use "has built up" to describe the gradual accumulation of something over time, such as "The company "has built up" a strong reputation" or "Pressure "has built up" over the negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "has built up"?

Alternatives include "has accumulated", "has developed", or "has established", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has build up" instead of "has built up"?

No, the correct form is "has built up". "Built" is the past participle of "build", which is required after the auxiliary verb "has". "Build" is the base form, and "build up" is an incorrect form in this context.

What is the difference between "has built up" and "has accumulated"?

While both phrases imply a gradual increase, "has built up" often suggests a more active or constructive process, whereas "has accumulated" simply implies a gathering or collection. For example, you might say someone "has built up" a business, but "has accumulated" wealth.