it built on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it built on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is based on or developed from a previous idea, concept, or foundation. Example: "The new software version built on the success of its predecessor, incorporating user feedback and advanced features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a statement, G.M.'s chief labor negotiator, Cathy Clegg, emphasized that the deal stabilized the company's cost structure as it built on its turnaround since emerging from its government-sponsored bankruptcy in 2009.

The New York Times

It built on its recent successes in disrupting the FARC's communications and isolating its leaders from each other.

The Economist

It built on its lead-in, the second season premiere of The Killing.

Wikipedia

Before the consolidation of 1898 gave it access to the Croton Aqueduct, Brooklyn piped its water from reservoirs it built on Long Island.

The New York Times

It built on decades of work by its director, Michael Glantz, a political scientist who has focused on the societal effects of natural climate extremes and any shifts related to accumulating greenhouse gases.

The New York Times - Science

Its newish pay-TV business, Mediaset Premium, which it built on the cheap to defend against Sky Italia, is losing money.

The Economist

It built on decades of work in developing countries by its director, Michael H. Glantz, a political scientist who has focused on the societal impacts of natural climate extremes and changes driven by accumulating greenhouse gases.

The New York Times - Science

It built on what existed.

The New Yorker

But it built on existing research.

Harvard Business Review

TH: Much of it built on spurious historical foundations.

The Guardian - Books

It built on Berners-Lee's server by including support for graphics, sound and video clips.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it built on" to show a clear progression or evolution from a previous state, idea, or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "it built on" when the subject is vague or undefined. Always ensure that "it" has a clear antecedent in the sentence to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it built on" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something was developed or expanded from a previous foundation. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as building on previous research or existing systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it built on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something has developed or expanded from a prior foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common across diverse contexts, including news, academic research, and general discourse. When using "it built on", ensure clarity regarding the subject and the foundation, and consider semantically similar alternatives such as "it was based on" or "it expanded upon" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was based on

Indicates a fundamental element or starting point.

it expanded upon

Focuses on growth and development from a previous state.

it developed from

Highlights the origin and evolution of something.

it stemmed from

Emphasizes the source or cause of the development.

it arose from

Implies emergence or origination from a base.

it was predicated on

Suggests a logical foundation or assumption.

it took off from

Implies a rapid advancement or success from a starting point.

it improved upon

Focuses on enhancements and positive changes.

it continued from

Highlights the continuation of something from an earlier point.

it moved forward from

Suggests progression and advancement from a specific point.

FAQs

How to use "it built on" in a sentence?

Use "it built on" to show that something has evolved or developed from a previous concept or foundation. For example, "The company's success "it built on" years of research and development".

What can I say instead of "it built on"?

You can use alternatives like "it was based on", "it expanded upon", or "it developed from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it built on" or "it builds on"?

"It built on" is past tense, indicating that something already happened. "It builds on" is present tense, indicating an ongoing or habitual action. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and timeframe.

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

"It built on" indicates development from a past foundation, while "it relies on" suggests a current dependence. "It built on" is about evolution, while "it relies on" is about present functionality.