she built up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she built up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of gradually increasing or developing something, such as skills, confidence, or a relationship. Example: "Over the years, she built up her reputation as a skilled artist through hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Next she built up virtuosity.

The New York Times - Arts

Over a period of years, she built up trust with the company.

The New York Times - Sports

She built up a rapport with the artists she interviewed, and they opened up to her.

The Guardian - Arts

Gradually, she built up to longer times and greater percentages of her weight.

The New York Times - Sports

She worried that her time as first lady was not substantive enough, so she built up some foreign trips to sound more presidential.

The New York Times

Although she found it helpful at first, she built up a reliance over a couple of weeks that left her exhausted.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But she builds up enough literary capital that after you account for any weakness, she's still flush.

The New York Times - Books

Slowly she builds up his trust until they are a fantastic team.

The Guardian

Republican officials have said that reporters will hear from Ms. Angle in due time, once she builds up her campaign staff.

The New York Times

She reacted with cold fury to his memo criticising her leadership style and suggestion that she build up cabinet colleagues and not snipe at them.

The Guardian

She builds up a thriving restaurant business, and has a passionate affair with a rich playboy named Monty, whom she eventually marries.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the object being built up is clearly defined. For example, clarify what she built up: "She built up a strong customer base."

Common error

Avoid using "she built up" in overly passive constructions that obscure who is responsible for the building. Instead of "Her skills were built up", write "She built up her skills."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she built up" functions as a phrasal verb, where "built up" modifies the subject "she." According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its primary function is to describe a gradual accumulation or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she built up" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrasal verb that describes a gradual process of accumulation or development. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define what is being built up and to avoid passive constructions. Alternatives like "she developed" or "she established" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she developed

Focuses on gradual growth and evolution, omitting the element of construction.

she established

Emphasizes setting something firm and long-lasting, rather than a gradual process.

she accumulated

Highlights the gradual gathering of something, typically in quantity.

she fostered

Implies nurturing and promoting growth, often in relationships or skills.

she cultivated

Suggests careful and deliberate growth, often associated with refinement.

she strengthened

Directly indicates increasing power or resilience.

she enhanced

Focuses on improving the quality or value of something already existing.

she constructed

Emphasizes the act of building or creating something, often tangible.

she expanded

Highlights the increase in size, scope, or extent.

she amassed

Conveys the idea of collecting a large quantity of something over time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "she built up" is used to describe the process of gradually increasing or developing something. For example, "She built up her business from scratch" or "She built up a strong reputation in the community".

What's a synonym for "she built up"?

Alternatives include "she developed", "she established", or "she cultivated", depending on the specific context.

Is "she built up" formal or informal?

"She built up" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "she built up" and "she created"?

"She built up" suggests a gradual process of development or accumulation, whereas "she created" implies bringing something new into existence. For example, "She built up her savings over time," versus "She created a new app."