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.
In effective presentations, speakers often build up anticipation before delivering their main point, which helps to engage the audience.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The story builds up a suspense.
Say: The story builds up the suspense. / builds suspense.
Usually 'build up the tension/suspense' — no 'a'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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 + tension
- the tension
- suspense
- to a
- anticipation
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- build up (increase gradually) — 'build up' also has the more basic meaning 'increase gradually'; this is the advanced sense.