it builds on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it builds on" is a valid and commonly used English phrase.
You can use it to link two ideas or to emphasize the addition or continuation of one concept to another. For example, "Our current strategy builds on the successes of the previous plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It builds on previous chapters, which dealt first with computer applications in libraries and then with the supporting technology.

Computers for Librarians An Introduction to the Electronic Library

"It's momentum-building, and it builds on itself," Mr. Parker said.

The New York Times

It builds on the set up and is only one word or one sentence.

WikiHow

"It builds on itself".

The New York Times

It builds on a successful strategy.

Independent

It builds on a similar 2001 review.

The New York Times

It builds on observed realities to make testable predictions.

The Guardian

It builds on itself, given the quantity and quality.

The New York Times - Sports

This is an important step and it builds on the emergency legislation in the summer.

Independent

It builds on good academic theory and not just what's easy to program".

The New York Times

It builds on their earlier work which we wrote about here.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it builds on" to clearly show how a new idea, project, or concept is connected to previous work or existing knowledge. This helps establish context and demonstrate a logical progression.

Common error

Avoid using "it builds on" as a generic connector without specifying what it is building on. Always provide a clear reference to the foundation or prior work to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it builds on" serves as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that a subject develops, expands, or relies upon a preceding element. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and functions to connect ideas sequentially. For example, 'It builds on a successful strategy'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it builds on" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something develops, expands, or relies upon a preceding element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, serving to establish relationships of dependence or progression. When using "it builds on", ensure that the foundation or prior work is clearly referenced to maintain clarity. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "it expands upon" or "it is predicated on" to add nuance to your writing. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it expands upon

Focuses on the idea of increasing the scope or detail, implying a more comprehensive development.

it is predicated on

Highlights the foundational aspect, suggesting that something is based or depends on a prior condition.

it stems from

Emphasizes the origin or source, indicating that something originates or derives from something else.

it leverages

Implies using something to maximum advantage, building on existing strengths or resources.

it draws upon

Suggests utilizing or extracting from a source, implying a selection and incorporation of elements.

it is rooted in

Highlights the deep-seated connection or origin, emphasizing a fundamental base.

it capitalizes on

Focuses on taking advantage of something, implying a strategic use of existing assets or opportunities.

it is constructed upon

Emphasizes the deliberate and systematic building process, implying a careful arrangement of elements.

it augments

Suggests an addition that enhances or improves something, implying a complementary enhancement.

it reinforces

Highlights the strengthening or supporting aspect, implying a validation or confirmation of existing elements.

FAQs

How can I use "it builds on" in a sentence?

Use "it builds on" to indicate that something is developed or expanded from a previous foundation or concept. For example, "This research "it builds on" previous studies in the field".

What are some alternatives to "it builds on"?

You can use alternatives like "it expands upon", "it is predicated on", or "it stems from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it builds on" or should I use another phrase?

"It builds on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. However, the best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. Alternatives like "it leverages" or "it draws upon" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

What's the difference between "it builds on" and "it relies on"?

"It builds on" suggests a progressive development from a previous foundation, whereas "it relies on" indicates dependence on something for support or function. The former implies growth, while the latter implies necessity.