keep building up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep building up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of gradually increasing or enhancing something over time. Example: "If we keep building up our skills, we will eventually become experts in our field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

That's even a double-bonus because you just keep building up arm strength".

The New York Times

Given the ground's softness, he said, "people had to keep building up" or face destruction from encroaching tides and waves.

The New York Times - Science

I just think that this one — where we keep building up the military commitment because it keeps failing — is a loser".

The New Yorker

On Tuesday afternoon he predicted that steady winds from the northwest would keep building up the waves, which by then were about a meter high, and even if wind conditions improved the sea would stay rough for far longer.

The New York Times - Sports

They need to use that occasion to tell China, in no uncertain terms, that it cannot keep building up its own economy by undercutting the rest of the world's exports.

The New York Times

PARIS — As the global economic crisis ebbs, China will keep building up its domestic financial firms and banks rather than investing in Western companies, the chairman of Lloyd's of London said Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This book keeps building up suspense from the beginning.

The Guardian

"Water keeps building up inside the plant, and debris keeps piling up outside of it.

The New York Times

She keeps building up chipper towers of rationalization only to see them crumble.

The New York Times

But I kept building up until I was doing 30, then 40 miles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It kept building up to overdriven collisions of phrases, then starting afresh; the humor was in the dynamic shifts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep building up", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of gradual increase or enhancement. Choose synonyms for variety if you overuse the phrase.

Common error

Be mindful of using "keep building up" when the context already implies continuous increase. Redundancy can weaken your writing. For example, avoid saying "continue to keep building up."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "keep building up" functions primarily as a dynamic verb phrase indicating ongoing or continuous action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting a grammatically correct and understandable structure. It emphasizes a process of gradual accumulation or enhancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep building up" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a continuous process of growth, accumulation, or improvement. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Analysis of usage patterns indicates its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding redundancy and consider the context to ensure accurate conveyance of the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep adding to

Emphasizes the process of continuous augmentation

continue to accumulate

Emphasizes a gradual increase in quantity.

steadily increase

Highlights a consistent and stable rise.

persist in developing

Focuses on continuous development or improvement.

gradually expand

Suggests a widening or enlarging process.

incrementally improve

Emphasizes small, successive enhancements.

progressively advance

Highlights continuous movement forward and upward.

sustain growth

Focuses on maintaining a positive growth trajectory.

maintain momentum

Emphasizes keeping up the current pace.

perpetuate escalation

Highlights continuous worsening of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep building up" in a sentence?

You can use "keep building up" to describe a continuous process of improvement or accumulation, such as "If we "keep building up" our skills, we will eventually become experts."

What are some alternatives to "keep building up"?

Alternatives to "keep building up" include "continue to accumulate", "steadily increase", or "gradually expand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keep building up" formal or informal?

"Keep building up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "keep building up" and "continue to build"?

While similar, "keep building up" often implies a more gradual and persistent effort compared to "continue to build", which might suggest a more direct and immediate continuation of construction or development.