to build on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to build on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to continuing or developing a story, concept, or idea. For example: "In this article, I will discuss the importance of communication in the workplace and provide some tips on how to build on these skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This has been something to build on".

The New York Times - Sports

"But there's a lot to build on".

The New York Times - Sports

But tonight was something to build on".

The New York Times - Sports

This is something to build on".

The New York Times - Sports

That gives us something to build on".

The Guardian

It's something to build on now.

BBC

That's what I have to build on".

BBC

That's something to build on".

Los Angeles Times

That's a lot to build on".

Vice

We have something to build on.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

continue to build on our successes.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to build on", ensure that the initial foundation or idea is clearly established before elaborating further. This provides a solid context for your expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "to build on" when there isn't a clear existing base. Make sure you are actually adding to something established, not introducing an entirely new concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to build on" functions as a means of elaboration and development. It is used to indicate the act of expanding or adding to an existing idea, concept, or structure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to build on" is a useful tool for indicating the expansion and development of existing ideas or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal business and scientific writing. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure there's an existing foundation before using it. Remember "to expand upon", "to develop further", or "to elaborate on" are some alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to expand upon

Focuses on providing more detail and information.

to develop further

Emphasizes the progression and advancement of an idea or project.

to elaborate on

Highlights the act of adding more details to an existing concept.

to capitalize on

Suggests leveraging an existing advantage or opportunity.

to take advantage of

Similar to capitalize on, but can sometimes imply a more opportunistic approach.

to leverage

Implies using something already available to achieve a greater effect.

to add to

A more general term for increasing or enhancing something.

to augment

Suggests enhancing something by adding to it.

to enhance

Emphasizes the improvement of quality or value.

to improve upon

Implies making something better than it already is.

FAQs

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

You can use "to build on" to indicate expanding or developing an idea, as in, "This research provides a solid foundation "to build on" for future studies."

What are some alternatives to "to build on"?

Alternatives include "to expand upon", "to develop further", or "to elaborate on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "build on" instead of "to build on"?

While "build on" can be used, the infinitive form "to build on" is often preferred when expressing intent or purpose. The simple form can also serve as a verb within a sentence.

What's the difference between "to build on" and "to rely on"?

"To build on" means to expand or develop something further, while "to rely on" means to depend on something for support or assistance. They are not interchangeable.