BUILT UP

Human Communication

"As life is built up, brick by brick, patience becomes the mortar that binds achievements into a fortress of resilience."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'built up' means to increase, develop, or accumulate gradually over time. It can refer to physical structures, skills, emotions, or reputations.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'built up' means to increase, develop, or accumulate gradually over time. It can refer to physical structures, skills, emotions, or reputations.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
'Built up' can be separated when referring to specific objects, as in 'built the courage up'.
Register
Neutral
It is a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It needs a direct object; you build something up.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple build up She builds up her endurance by jogging daily.
Past Simple built up They built up the business over the years.
Present Continuous building up The team is building up their strategy for the finals.
Present Perfect have built up We have built up a strong portfolio since last year.

💡 When to Use

Improving skills
Use when discussing the gradual improvement or acquisition of skills or abilities over time.
Example: "She's building up her language skills through practice."
Emotional resilience
Use when referring to the gradual strengthening of emotional or mental resilience.
Example: "He has built up significant emotional resilience after past hardships."
Accumulate materials
Use when talking about accumulating materials or resources incrementally.
Example: "They have built up their savings by being frugal."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect Seperation
❌ Wrong: He up built confidence.
✅ Correct: He built up confidence.
💡 Tip: Remember: 'build' and 'up' are never separated unless with an object in between.
Missing Object
❌ Wrong: She built up quickly.
✅ Correct: She built up her stamina quickly.
💡 Tip: Ensure there's an object to build up.
Wrong Tense
❌ Wrong: They have builded up a reputation.
✅ Correct: They have built up a reputation.
💡 Tip: Use 'built' as the past participle.
Practice

BUILT UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    He built up his reputation as a reliable builder over the years.

    Words Multiplied
  • 2
    Listen to example

    By saving a little each month, she built up her savings effortlessly.

    Words Multiplied
  • 3
    Listen to example

    The tension in the room built up as they awaited the results.

    Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accumulate amass

Antonyms

dismantle

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She managed to ___ her career despite many obstacles."

destruct
built up
lower
reduce

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Built Up

What is the origin of built up?

+
The term 'built up' derives from the verb 'build,' originating in Old English as 'byldan,' meaning to form by constructing. 'Up' is a directional adverb enhancing the sense of increase or improvement, and the term gained usage during the Middle Ages as constructions became more vertical.

Can built up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Built up' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in professional and casual settings to describe gradual accumulation or development in areas like skill growth, confidence building, or organizational expansion.

What is the difference between built up and accumulate?

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While 'build up' often implies a deliberate effort to increase something gradually, 'accumulate' can refer to both intentional and unintentional gathering over time. 'Build up' suggests active participation in the increase, whereas 'accumulate' is more passive.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

build ongrow intodevelop intostep upexpand on
Browse All Words Multiplied Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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