Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that built on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "that built on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is based on or developed from a previous idea, concept, or foundation. Example: "The new policy is that built on the feedback we received from the community."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
I'd once tried an olive oil and chocolate bruschetta, and adored the rich layers of bitter, sweet and salty flavors that built on one another.
News & Media
We categorized contributions that built on at least one relatively recent idea as novel, while we categorized contributions based on ideas with a longer history in the literature as more traditional science.
Academia
The Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Family Practice (BETTER) Trial is one example of a successful approach for CDPS that built on existing evidence and applied it in clinical practice [ 19].
Science
Emboldened by De Dijn's response, Tom wrote an essay that built on his theories.
News & Media
You want something that built on its legacy and left it far behind.
News & Media
And unsurprisingly for a place that built on the success of a taqueria, the little plates outshine the rest.
News & Media
The theory that built on this insight is known as "deflationism" or "minimalism" (an older term is "the redundancy theory").
Encyclopedias
This again was thanks to Brigette, who was sensitive and creative enough as a supervisor to offer me projects that built on my existing skills.
Academia
The string of human rights conventions that built on the Universal Declaration from 1948 is a shining example of what is possible.
News & Media
Soon the bar's tiny back room was bouncing with live, angular music that built on sounds from the CBGB scene across the Hudson River.
News & Media
Accordingly, the discussion of models based on the diffusion-approximation approach proceeds to address relevant works that built on and extended the techniques used in the DT model.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "that built on" to clearly indicate the progression and development of ideas, projects, or systems from previous foundations or experiences.
Common error
Avoid using "that built on" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "that expanded upon" or "that developed from" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "that built on" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying its relationship to a foundation or prior element. It connects the modified noun to something it has developed from, expanding upon, or is based upon. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
33%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
7%
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "that built on" serves as a relative clause indicating that something has developed or expanded from a previous foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific papers, and academic texts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. While frequent use of this phrase is acceptable, it's advisable to vary your language with alternatives like "that expanded upon" to enhance readability and prevent repetition. Overall, "that built on" is a valuable tool for expressing the evolution of ideas and projects in a clear and concise manner.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that was based on
Uses a passive construction to highlight the foundation or basis of something.
that expanded upon
Replaces "built" with "expanded", emphasizing growth and enlargement from an existing base.
that developed from
Substitutes "built" with "developed", focusing on the evolutionary aspect of something originating from a source.
that stemmed from
Replaces "built" with "stemmed", indicating origination or derivation from something else.
that grew out of
Emphasizes the organic development and emergence from a previous state or idea.
that progressed from
Focuses on the advancement and forward movement from an earlier stage or point.
that took inspiration from
Highlights the influence and creative impetus derived from an existing source.
that capitalized on
Indicates leveraging an existing advantage or opportunity to build something further.
that enhanced through
Focuses on the improvement or augmentation achieved by building on something prior.
that drew from
Highlights the act of extracting or obtaining resources or ideas from a source.
FAQs
How can I use "that built on" in a sentence?
Use "that built on" to show how a concept, idea, or project evolved from something established. For example, "The new software feature is that built on user feedback."
What are some alternatives to "that built on"?
Alternatives include "that expanded upon", "that developed from", or "that was based on", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is there a difference between "that built on" and "that builds on"?
"That built on" refers to a past event or development, while "that builds on" indicates a current or future action. For instance, "The study that built on previous research showed promising results," versus "This project that builds on existing infrastructure aims to improve efficiency."
Can "that built on" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "that built on" is appropriate for formal writing as it clearly and concisely expresses the idea of building upon existing foundations. Ensure the context supports its use and that it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested