Phrasal verb
build on
Meanings
to develop something further using what already exists as a basis
to use previous achievements, knowledge, or experience to make more progress
Definition
To build on something means to use it as a starting point and make it stronger or more developed.
If you build on an idea, success, or skill, you use it as a foundation for further progress. It often suggests improving, expanding, or adding details over time. People commonly build on experience, research, or earlier work to reach a better result.
Examples
- I want to build on what I learned in the workshop.
- You can build on this draft by adding more real examples.
- He built on his strong first season and became a team leader.
- She built on the feedback and redesigned the presentation.
- They built on last year’s partnership to launch a new project.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say “build up on” or “build on to,” but the correct form is simply “build on” plus the noun or clause.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.