Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Build On: Meaning, Usage, and History

“To build on renewed hope allows past failures to transform into future successes, guided by lessons learned and dreams envisioned.”

📖 Definition

To base something on something else or use a previous idea or achievement as a foundation for further development or progress.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb 'build on' does not allow an object to be placed between 'build' and 'on'.

Neutral

This phrasal verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

The verb requires an object, often an idea or achievement, to be meaningful.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	build on	He builds on his previous research to gain new insights.
Past Simple	built on	She built on her mother's recipes to create her own cookbook.
Present Continuous	building on	They are building on community feedback to improve the project.
Present Perfect	have built on	We have built on past experiences to enhance our service offerings.

💡 When to Use

Improving a project

Use when enhancing a current project using past insights or feedback to achieve better results.

Example: “We aim to build on client feedback to optimize our app design.”

Educational advancements

Apply when applying previous knowledge and experiences to reach new academic or intellectual heights.

Example: “Online courses build on traditional learning methods to provide flexible education.”

Career development

Use when advancing one's career by leveraging past roles and responsibilities to achieve greater professional goals.

Example: “Building on his marketing experience, he led the team to a successful rebrand.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of object

❌ Wrong: She built her ideas on.

✅ Correct: She built on her ideas.

💡 Tip: Remember: always place the object after 'on'.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They builded on past successes.

✅ Correct: They built on past successes.

💡 Tip: Use 'built' for the past tense.

Confusing with 'build off of'

❌ Wrong: We need to build off of the strategy.

✅ Correct: We need to build on the strategy.

💡 Tip: Use 'build on' for continuity.

Practice

BUILD ON – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The new manager plans to build on the team’s previous successes to achieve better outcomes.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Scientists continue to build on existing research to find sustainable energy solutions.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

By building on initial designs, the architect created a unique and functional home.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

improve upon expand upon

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“The company seeks to _____ its previous achievements for future growth.”

build off

build on

break down

dismantle

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Build On

What is the origin of build on?

The phrase 'build on' emerged from construction terminology, symbolizing the notion of stacking new developments atop existing structures. It was increasingly adopted in the 20th century to describe progress based on past foundations.

Can build on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'build on' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts. In professional settings, it describes strategy development, while in everyday conversations, it could relate to personal growth or projects.

What is the difference between build on and improve upon?

'Build on' often implies expansion using existing elements, whereas 'improve upon' suggests enhancement, focusing on refining or bettering an existing condition or idea.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey