Meaning trap
build up
create suspense
To gradually increase tension, anticipation, or excitement, especially in a story, conversation, or event, so that people are eager to see what happens next.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To gradually increase tension, anticipation, or excitement, especially in a story, conversation, or event, so that people are eager to see what happens next.
'build up' also has the more basic meaning 'increase gradually'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The director skillfully built up suspense throughout the film, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.discourse
- In effective presentations, speakers often build up anticipation before delivering their main point, which helps to engage the audience.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: build up (something) | build (something) up
WrongThe story builds up a suspense.
RightThe story builds up the suspense. / builds suspense.
Usually 'build up the tension/suspense' — no 'a'.
Patternbuild up (something) | build (something) up
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Progressively intensifies the dramatic tension' is critic-speak; 'builds up the tension' is natural.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
build up + tensionthe tensionsuspenseto aanticipation
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1/B2 senses, which focus on making something larger, stronger, or more positive, this sense is about increasing emotional or psychological tension, not physical or personal qualities.
Related
- build up (increase gradually) — 'build up' also has the more basic meaning 'increase gradually'; this is the advanced sense.