to build knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to build knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring or developing understanding or information on a particular subject. Example: "The goal of this workshop is to build knowledge about sustainable practices in agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every other economist, he added, should be content to build knowledge by steadily laying "stone on stone".

The Economist

The department's expenditure on "technical assistance" – funding to build knowledge and skills in recipient countries, deliver services and manage UK aid programmes – is particularly opaque, they said.

The Guardian

They need to build knowledge over time about the families with whom they are working and about the communities in which the families live.

The Guardian

9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

The New York Times

9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

The New York Times

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.9 Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

The New York Times

I had always thought of apprenticeships as a route to getting a more practical job – being a mechanic or plumber – rather than a way to build knowledge but I'm so glad I discovered it.

The Guardian

But the Pi, through the programming languages Python and Scratch, gives the opportunity for users to construct the content and to build knowledge, rather than just receive information" she explained.

The Guardian - Tech

Such attempts must be coupled with plans to build knowledge and confidence of partners to implement accessible and appropriate assistance – an issue HelpAge is addressing with its own training activity.

The Guardian

Instead, we anticipated a multiyear requirement to build knowledge and relationships to prevent the post-Qaddafi turbulence from destabilizing an entire region or — if mishandled — from turning the region into a dangerous magnet for jihadist terrorists.

The New York Times

We suggest a form to build knowledge about migraine brain dysfunction.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to build knowledge" when you want to emphasize the active and gradual process of constructing understanding, especially over time or through specific efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "to build knowledge" in contexts where a more specific verb like "learn", "study", or "discover" would provide greater clarity and impact. Overuse of abstract phrases can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to build knowledge" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express the purpose or goal of an action. Ludwig examples show it commonly serves as an object of a verb or preposition, indicating what one aims to achieve through a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to build knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of acquiring understanding and expertise. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears across a range of contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to business communications and it is particularly common in Science and News & Media. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it thoughtfully, considering whether a more specific verb might enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "to acquire understanding" or "to develop expertise" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to construct understanding

Stresses the active process of creating a coherent mental model.

to acquire understanding

Focuses on the act of receiving or gaining understanding, rather than the process of construction.

to expand comprehension

Focuses on increasing the breadth and depth of one's understanding.

to develop expertise

Emphasizes the growth of specialized skills and competence in a particular area.

to strengthen competence

Highlights the reinforcement and improvement of one's abilities through knowledge.

to deepen insight

Suggests gaining a more profound and nuanced understanding of a subject.

to foster learning

Highlights the creation of an environment conducive to learning and knowledge acquisition.

to accumulate erudition

Implies gathering extensive and scholarly knowledge.

to cultivate wisdom

Implies a deeper, more refined form of knowledge gained through experience and reflection.

to gather information

Centers on the collection of facts and data, which may or may not lead to knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "to build knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "to build knowledge" to describe the process of gaining understanding or skills, as in "The purpose of this course is "to build knowledge" about data science".

What are some alternatives to "to build knowledge"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to acquire understanding", "to develop expertise", or "to foster learning".

Is it better to say "to gain knowledge" or "to build knowledge"?

Both are correct, but "to gain knowledge" often implies a more passive reception of information, while ""to build knowledge"" suggests an active, constructive process.

In academic writing, is "to build knowledge" considered formal enough?

Yes, ""to build knowledge"" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe the process of expanding understanding in a field.