Mastering “Build Up”: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English, and “build up” is a particularly versatile example. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of “build up,” covering its various meanings, grammatical structures, and usage contexts.

Whether you’re an English language learner or simply looking to refine your grammar skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use “build up” in your everyday communication.

This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. By the end of this guide, you will be able to understand and use “build up” correctly in a variety of contexts, improving your overall fluency and accuracy in English.

Table of Contents

Definition of “Build Up”

“Build up” is a phrasal verb, which means it’s a combination of a verb (“build”) and a particle (typically a preposition or adverb, in this case, “up”). Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words that comprise them.

“Build up” is a versatile phrasal verb with several distinct meanings, making it essential to understand its various contexts.

The primary function of “build up” is to describe a process of growth, accumulation, development, or construction. It can be used in various contexts, from physical construction to emotional development.

Understanding the nuances of each meaning is key to using “build up” correctly and effectively. The meaning can slightly change depending on the context it is used in.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of “build up” is straightforward: build + up. However, its grammatical usage can vary slightly depending on the intended meaning. It can be used both transitively (taking a direct object) and intransitively (not taking a direct object).

When used transitively, the structure is typically: Subject + build up + Object (often a noun or noun phrase). For example: “The company is building up its inventory.” Here, “company” is the subject, “build up” is the phrasal verb, and “its inventory” is the object.

When used intransitively, the structure is simpler: Subject + build up. For example: “Pressure is building up.” Here, “pressure” is the subject, and “build up” is the phrasal verb. No direct object is involved.

It’s also important to note that the particle “up” can sometimes be separated from the verb “build” by the object. This is especially common when the object is a pronoun.

For example, instead of saying “Build up it,” you would typically say “Build it up.” This is called particle movement.

Types and Categories of “Build Up”

“Build up” has several distinct meanings, each with its own nuances. Understanding these different categories is crucial for using the phrasal verb correctly.

To Increase or Accumulate

In this sense, “build up” means to gradually increase in quantity or amount. It often refers to things like savings, debt, or traffic.

To Develop or Establish

Here, “build up” signifies the process of creating, developing, or establishing something over time. This could refer to skills, relationships, or reputations.

To Strengthen or Improve

This usage of “build up” implies making something stronger, healthier, or more resilient. It’s often used in the context of physical fitness or immunity.

To Prepare or Anticipate

In this context, “build up” means to create anticipation or excitement for something, often a performance or event.

To Construct or Assemble

This meaning refers to the physical act of constructing or assembling something, often brick by brick or piece by piece. It can also describe creating something abstractly.

Examples of “Build Up” in Sentences

To illustrate the different meanings of “build up,” here are several examples categorized by their specific usage.

Examples of “Build Up” Meaning “To Increase”

This table provides examples of “build up” used to indicate an increase or accumulation of something.

Sentence Explanation
He’s been building up his savings for a down payment on a house. He’s gradually increasing the amount of money he has saved.
The traffic is building up on the highway due to the accident. The amount of traffic is increasing and becoming congested.
She built up a large collection of stamps over the years. She gradually accumulated a significant number of stamps.
Debt can quickly build up if you’re not careful with your spending. Debt can increase rapidly if you don’t manage your finances well.
The company is building up its inventory for the holiday season. The company is increasing its stock of goods in preparation for increased demand.
Tension was building up in the room as the argument escalated. The level of tension was increasing.
The pressure to succeed was building up. The feeling of needing to succeed was increasing.
Clouds were building up, suggesting a storm was coming. The number of clouds was increasing, indicating an approaching storm.
The anticipation for the concert was building up among the fans. The fans’ excitement for the concert was increasing.
Dust built up on the furniture while we were away. The amount of dust increased on the furniture.
His anger started to build up after the constant interruptions. The feeling of anger increased.
We need to build up our emergency fund in case of unexpected expenses. We need to increase the amount of money in our emergency fund.
The number of complaints has been building up recently. The number of complaints has been increasing.
The backlog of orders is building up due to the strike. The number of unfulfilled orders is increasing.
Her frustration built up until she finally exploded. Her frustration increased until she reached a breaking point.
The number of applications for the job is building up rapidly. The quantity of job applications is quickly increasing.
The museum is building up its collection of modern art. The museum is adding to its collection of modern art pieces.
The athlete is building up speed as he approaches the finish line. The athlete increases his speed.
The excitement is building up for the premiere of the new movie. The excitement for the movie premiere is increasing.
Before winter, squirrels build up their stores of nuts. Squirrels increase their collection of nuts.
The company is trying to build up a surplus of cash. The company is trying to increase its cash reserves.
The pressure in the tire was building up in the hot sun. The pressure in the tire was increasing.
The team is building up a lead in the game. The team is increasing its advantage in the game.
Her knowledge of the subject built up over years of research. Her knowledge increased over time.
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Examples of “Build Up” Meaning “To Develop”

This table provides examples of “build up” used to indicate the development or establishment of something.

Sentence Explanation
It takes time to build up a strong relationship. Developing a strong bond requires effort and patience over time.
She’s been working hard to build up her reputation as a reliable professional. She’s striving to establish a positive image for herself in her field.
The company built up a loyal customer base through excellent service. The company developed a group of customers who consistently choose their products or services.
He built up his confidence by practicing public speaking. He developed his self-assurance through repeated practice.
The athlete is building up his endurance for the marathon. The athlete is developing his ability to sustain physical exertion over a long period.
The city is building up its infrastructure to support future growth. The city is developing its basic physical and organizational structures.
The project is building up momentum as more people get involved. The project is gaining speed and energy.
The band spent years building up a following before achieving mainstream success. The band developed a group of dedicated fans.
The software company is building up its research and development department. The company is developing its department responsible for innovation.
The country is building up its military strength. The country is developing its military capabilities.
The young entrepreneur is building up her business from scratch. The entrepreneur is developing her business from the very beginning.
The organization is building up a network of volunteers. The organization is developing a group of people who offer their services willingly.
The school is building up its arts program. The school is developing its arts program.
The chef is building up a new menu for the restaurant. The chef is developing a new menu.
The team is building up a strategy for the upcoming competition. The team is developing a strategy.
The scientist is building up a theory to explain the phenomenon. The scientist is developing a theory.
The community is building up a sense of pride in their town. The community is developing a sense of pride.
The professor is building up a course on artificial intelligence. The professor is developing a course.
The artist is building up a portfolio of her work. The artist is developing a portfolio.
The charity is building up a fund to support its work. The charity is developing a fund.
The writer is building up a detailed world in her novel. The writer is developing a world.
The politician is building up a platform for his campaign. The politician is developing a platform.
The gardener is building up the soil with compost. The gardener is developing the soil.
The company is building up a brand identity. The company is developing a brand identity.

Examples of “Build Up” Meaning “To Strengthen”

This table provides examples of “build up” used to indicate the strengthening or improvement of something.

Sentence Explanation
He’s trying to build up his immune system by eating healthy foods. He’s attempting to strengthen his body’s natural defenses.
Exercise can help build up your muscles. Physical activity can strengthen your muscles.
The therapist helped her build up her self-esteem. The therapist assisted her in improving her confidence and self-worth.
The coach is trying to build up the team’s morale. The coach is working to improve the team’s spirits and confidence.
Taking vitamins can help build up your strength after being sick. Vitamins can help improve your physical strength after an illness.
The training program is designed to build up the athletes’ stamina. The training program is designed to improve the athletes’ endurance.
The government is working to build up the country’s economy. The government is working to strengthen the country’s economy.
The company is building up its defenses against cyber attacks. The company is strengthening its defenses.
The teacher is trying to build up the students’ confidence in math. The teacher is trying to strengthen the students’ confidence.
The community is working to build up its resilience to natural disasters. The community is working to strengthen its resilience.
The doctor recommended a diet to build up her iron levels. The doctor recommended a diet to strengthen her iron levels.
The exercise routine aims to build up core strength. The exercise routine aims to strengthen core strength.
The program is designed to build up leadership skills in young people. The program is designed to strengthen leadership skills.
The university is building up its reputation for research excellence. The university is strengthening its reputation.
The organization is working to build up trust with the local community. The organization is working to strengthen trust.
The new policies are designed to build up the company’s financial stability. The new policies are designed to strengthen the company’s financial stability.
The course is intended to build up students’ critical thinking abilities. The course is intended to strengthen students’ critical thinking abilities.
The project aims to build up the capacity of local farmers. The project aims to strengthen the capacity.
The therapy sessions helped him build up his emotional resilience. The therapy sessions helped him strengthen his emotional resilience.
The training is designed to build up the soldiers’ physical and mental toughness. The training is designed to strengthen the soldiers’ physical and mental toughness.
The company is working to build up its brand loyalty. The company is working to strengthen its brand loyalty.
The government is trying to build up its diplomatic ties with other nations. The government is trying to strengthen its diplomatic ties.
The program helps children build up their reading skills. The program helps children strengthen their reading skills.
The experience helped her build up her confidence in her abilities. The experience helped her strengthen her confidence.
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Examples of “Build Up” Meaning “To Prepare”

This table provides examples of “build up” used to indicate preparing or creating anticipation for something.

Sentence Explanation
The marketing campaign is building up excitement for the new product launch. The campaign is creating anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming product release.
The news reports are building up the drama surrounding the trial. The news reports are emphasizing the exciting or shocking aspects of the trial.
The previews are building up the suspense for the movie. The previews are creating a feeling of anticipation and uncertainty about the movie’s plot.
The announcer was building up the tension before the final round. The announcer was increasing the feeling of excitement and nervousness before the final round.
The author is building up the mystery throughout the novel. The author is creating a sense of intrigue and suspense as the story progresses.
The director used music to build up the emotion in the scene. The director used music to create a feeling.
The coach tried to build up the players’ confidence before the big game. The coach tried to prepare the players.
The event organizers are building up the anticipation for the festival. The event organizers are preparing the anticipation.
The rumors are building up expectations for the announcement. The rumors are preparing expectations.
The advertisements are building up the hype around the concert. The advertisements are preparing the hype.
The series finale is building up to a dramatic climax. The series finale is preparing a dramatic climax.
The speaker is building up to the main point of his presentation. The speaker is preparing his main point.
The campaign is building up public awareness of the issue. The campaign is preparing public awareness.
The chef is building up the presentation of the dish. The chef is preparing the presentation.
The media is building up the importance of the election. The media is preparing the importance.
The event is building up to a grand finale. The event is preparing a grand finale.
The campaign is building up support for the candidate. The campaign is preparing support.
The festival is building up a reputation as a major cultural event. The festival is preparing a reputation.
The company is building up a presence in the new market. The company is preparing a presence.
The investigation is building up evidence against the suspect. The investigation is preparing evidence.
The team is building up a strategy for the competition. The team is preparing a strategy.
The writer is building up the tension in the scene. The writer is preparing the tension.
The project is building up momentum as it progresses. The project is preparing momentum.
The organization is building up a network of partners. The organization is preparing a network.

Examples of “Build Up” Meaning “To Construct”

This table provides examples of “build up” used to indicate the physical construction or assembly of something.

Sentence Explanation
They are building up a new shopping mall on the outskirts of the city. They are constructing a new shopping mall.
The children were building up a sandcastle on the beach. The children were constructing a sandcastle.
The engineers are building up a bridge across the river. The engineers are constructing a bridge.
The community worked together to build up a playground for the children. The community worked together to construct a playground.
The company is building up a new factory to increase production. The company is constructing a new factory.
The students are building up a model of the solar system. The students are constructing a model.
The volunteers are helping to build up houses for the homeless. The volunteers are helping to construct houses.
The team is building up a robot for the competition. The team is constructing a robot.
The artist is building up a sculpture from clay. The artist is constructing a sculpture.
The construction workers are building up a skyscraper in the city center. The construction workers are constructing a skyscraper.
The organization is building up a database of information. The organization is constructing a database.
The team is building up a website for the project. The team is constructing a website.
The software developers are building up a new application. The software developers are constructing a new application.
The researchers are building up a model to simulate the climate. The researchers are constructing a model.
The company is building up a network of suppliers. The company is constructing a network.
The library is building up its collection of books. The library is constructing its collection.
The museum is building up its display of artifacts. The museum is constructing its display.
The school is building up its resources for online learning. The school is constructing its resources.
The community is building up a garden in the vacant lot. The community is constructing a garden.
The volunteers are building up a shelter for stray animals. The volunteers are constructing a shelter.
The company is building up a team to manage the project. The company is constructing a team.
The organization is building up a program to support local businesses. The organization is constructing a program.
The government is building up a plan to address climate change. The government is constructing a plan.
The scientist is building up a framework for her research. The scientist is constructing a framework.

Usage Rules for “Build Up”

Here are some key rules to remember when using “build up”:

  • Transitive vs. Intransitive: “Build up” can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object). Pay attention to the context to determine whether an object is needed.
  • Separability: When used transitively, the particle “up” can sometimes be separated from the verb “build” by the object, especially when the object is a pronoun. For example: “Build it up” instead of “Build up it.”
  • Tense: Like any verb, “build up” can be used in different tenses (present, past, future, etc.). Be sure to use the correct tense depending on the time frame you are referring to.
  • Context: The meaning of “build up” can vary depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases to determine the intended meaning.

Common Mistakes with “Build Up”

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “build up”:

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Incorrect Correct Explanation
He built up it. He built it up. When the object is a pronoun, it usually goes between “build” and “up.”
The pressure is build uping. The pressure is building up. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).
She is build up her confidence. She is building up her confidence. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).
They builded up the wall. They built up the wall. The past tense of “build” is “built,” not “builded.”
I am going to build up my muscles tomorrow. I am going to build my muscles up tomorrow. Both are correct, but the second is more natural.
The company is build up a new factory. The company is building up a new factory. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “build up” with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “build up.”

Question Answer
1. He is ________ his savings for a vacation. building up
2. The tension was ________ before the final scene. building up
3. She ________ her confidence by taking on new challenges. built up
4. The company is ________ its reputation for quality. building up
5. They are ________ a new school in the village. building up
6. The debt started to ________ quickly. build up
7. The marketing campaign ________ excitement for the product launch. built up
8. He is trying to ________ his immune system. build up
9. The children were ________ a sandcastle on the beach. building up
10. The team ________ a strong lead in the first half of the game. built up

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the following sentences using “build up.”

Original Sentence Rewritten Sentence
1. He is gradually increasing his savings. He is building up his savings.
2. The excitement was growing before the concert. The excitement was building up before the concert.
3. She developed her confidence by practicing. She built up her confidence by practicing.
4. The company is improving its reputation. The company is building up its reputation.
5. They are constructing a new hospital. They are building up a new hospital.
6. The pressure was increasing steadily. The pressure was building up steadily.
7. The city is developing its infrastructure. The city is building up its infrastructure.
8. The athlete is strengthening his muscles. The athlete is building up his muscles.
9. The author is creating suspense in the story. The author is building up suspense in the story.
10. The team is establishing a strategy for the game. The team is building up a strategy for the game.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Incorrect Sentence Correct Sentence Explanation
1. He builded up his savings. He built up his savings. The past tense of “build” is “built.”
2. She is build up her muscles. She is building up her muscles. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).
3. They build up it quickly. They built it up quickly. When the object is a pronoun, it usually goes between “build” and “up.”
4. The tension were build up. The tension was building up. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building) and the correct form of “to be” (was).
5. We are going to build up our house. We are going to build our house up. Both are correct, but the second is more natural.
6. The company is build up a new brand. The company is building up a new brand. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).
7. The team builded a strategy. The team built up a strategy. The past tense of “build” is “built” and “up” is needed.
8. The excitement build up before the show. The excitement built up before the show. Use the past tense “built.”
9. He is build his confidence up. He is building up his confidence. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building).
10. They are build a new school. They are building up a new school. Use the correct form of the verb “build” (building) and “up” is needed.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of phrasal verb usage can further enhance their English proficiency. “Build up” can also be used in more idiomatic expressions.

For example, you might hear someone say “Don’t build me up,” which is a reference to the song and means “Don’t give me false hope.” Or when someone is described as “built up” it can refer to their physique (muscular). The meaning and nuance of “build up” can subtly change with context.

Advanced learners should spend time listening to native speakers and reading authentic materials to develop a feel for these subtle differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about using “build up.”

  1. Is “build up” always separable? No, while “build up” can often be separated (e.g., “build it up”), it’s not always the case. Sometimes the phrasing sounds more natural with the object following the particle (e.g., “build up your confidence”).
  2. What’s the difference between “build up” and “construct”? “Construct” generally refers to the physical act of building, while “build up” can have a broader range of meanings, including developing, increasing, or strengthening.
  3. Can “build up” be used in a negative context? While less common, “build up” can be used in a negative context to describe the accumulation of negative things, such as “Tension was building up before the argument.”
  4. How do I know which meaning of “build up” is intended?

    The context of the sentence and surrounding words will provide clues. Consider what is being built up and whether it refers to increasing, developing, strengthening, preparing, or constructing.

Conclusion

“Build up” is a versatile and essential phrasal verb in the English language. By understanding its various meanings, grammatical structures, and usage rules, you can confidently incorporate it into your everyday communication.

This guide has provided you with the knowledge and practice you need to master “build up” and enhance your overall fluency and accuracy in English. Keep practicing and exploring new contexts to further refine your understanding and usage of this valuable phrasal verb.

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