that builds on

USAGE SUMMARY

"that builds on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something has been continued or developed from a previous topic. For example, "This new program builds on the success of our last initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So now you have a choice between a strategy that reverses this progress or one that builds on it.

The New York Times

Now you have a choice – between a strategy that reverses this progress, or one that builds on it.

The New York Times

The result is a forward-looking set that builds on decades of experience.

The New Yorker

"Our goal is to promote great scholarship that builds on the discipline of management.

The New York Times

Adobe sees AIR as a major advance that builds on its Flash multimedia software.

The New York Times - Tech

The companion Web site (www.now.com) has five portals that contain information that builds on the programming.

The New York Times

"Instead, we are being catapulted into legislation that builds on the badly understood and arguably dysfunctional Ripa legislation.

The Guardian - Tech

The companion Web site (www.now.com) has five portals that contain information that builds on the video programming.

The New York Times

It is 2016 and we can surely imagine a better country: a country that builds on its already remarkable achievements.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fiac's 43rd edition delivered a clear message that builds on the Parisian response to the Bataclan shootings.

The Guardian

"Roche has a business strategy that builds on innovation and growth," Keller asserts.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that builds on" to clearly indicate that a new idea, project, or concept is directly related to and dependent upon a previous foundation. This helps to establish context and demonstrate a logical progression of thought.

Common error

While "that builds on" is useful for complex ideas, avoid using it in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The presentation that builds on the previous discussion was well-received", consider "The presentation extending the previous discussion was well-received."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that builds on" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It indicates that something is developed or expanded from a prior base, adding further detail or progression. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase introduces information that continues or develops from a previous point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that builds on" functions as a relative clause, commonly used to connect new information with existing knowledge and illustrate the development or expansion from a previous foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. This phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, emphasizing its utility in establishing connections and providing context. When using "that builds on", ensure it accurately reflects a developmental relationship and avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct phrasing would suffice. Consider using alternative phrases like "that expands upon" or "that develops from" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that expands upon

Focuses on growth or enlargement from a base.

that develops from

Highlights the evolution or origination from a source.

that extends from

Emphasizes the continuation or reach originating from something.

that leverages

Highlights the utilization of something to achieve an advantage.

that stems from

Indicates the origin or cause of something.

that is predicated on

Focuses on the foundation or basis upon which something is established.

that is based on

Emphasizes the foundational element used to construct something.

that draws from

Highlights the act of extracting or obtaining something from a source.

that reinforces

Emphasizes the act of strengthening something already in place.

that elaborates on

Indicates a more detailed explanation or expansion of a topic.

FAQs

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

Use "that builds on" to show how a new idea or concept relates to a previous one. For example, "The new research "that builds on" earlier findings promises significant advancements."

What are some alternatives to using "that builds on"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "that expands upon", "that develops from", or "that extends from", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "that builds on" or "which builds on"?

In most cases, "that builds on" is preferred because it introduces a restrictive clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which builds on" can be used if the clause is non-restrictive and provides additional but not essential information.

What's the difference between "that builds on" and "that is based on"?

"That builds on" implies a developmental relationship, where something grows or evolves from a previous foundation. "That is based on" simply indicates a foundational relationship, without necessarily implying growth or evolution.