is built upon

USAGE SUMMARY

'is built upon' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that was established as a basis for the development of something else. For example: "The European Union is built upon a set of core values of respect, democracy and solidarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conservative morality is built upon all them.

The Economist

Firefox is built upon the Mozilla base.

The New York Times

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

It is what our economy is built upon.

The Guardian

"The company's competitive advantage is built upon her reputation.

The New York Times

In even simpler terms, community is built upon conversations.

The New York Times - Magazine

America's justice system is built upon one thing — truth.

The Washington Post

The tool is built upon group communication objects.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

And there are useful economic consequences: almost every successful business is built upon the family.

The Guardian

The whole world is built upon a male structure and it's a man's world..

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is built upon" to emphasize that something is not just supported by something else, but actively constructed and developed from it. This highlights a process of growth and expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "is built upon" for things that are merely influenced by something. Use it to express clear construction and development. Instead of "His success is built upon luck", try "His success relies on luck" if luck isn't the foundational element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is built upon" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is constructed or developed on a particular foundation. Ludwig showcases examples where it connects various elements, from abstract concepts like justice to tangible items like software.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is built upon" is a versatile and commonly used construction to indicate that something is actively constructed or developed based on a particular foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity, ensure that the connection between subject and foundation involves active construction rather than mere influence. Using alternatives like "is based on" or "relies on" can fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to frame "is built upon" as highlighting a tangible process that leads to growth and expansion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point, similar to "is built upon", but focuses more on the initial principle.

is founded on

Highlights the establishment of something on a particular base or principle.

relies on

Emphasizes dependence, suggesting that something cannot function without the specified element.

is constructed on

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

is dependent on

Stresses the necessity of something for the existence or operation of another.

is predicated on

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

is anchored in

Suggests a strong and secure connection to a base or foundation.

is rooted in

Implies a deep and historical connection to a particular origin or source.

is sustained by

Highlights the elements that maintain or support something over time.

is underpinned by

Focuses on the underlying support or justification for something.

FAQs

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

Use "is built upon" to indicate that something is constructed or developed on a particular foundation. For example, "The company's success "is built upon" its strong customer service."

What are some alternatives to "is built upon"?

Alternatives include "is based on", "relies on", and "is founded on". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is built upon" and "is based on"?

"Is built upon" implies a more active construction and development process, while "is based on" suggests a foundational element without necessarily implying ongoing construction. They're close synonyms, but "is built upon" often suggests more active shaping and growth from the base.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is built upon"?

While generally correct, avoid using "is built upon" if the relationship is simply one of influence or similarity, rather than active construction. In such cases, alternatives like "is related to" or "is influenced by" may be more appropriate.