Meaning trap
build up
develop strength or confidence
To gradually make someone or something stronger, healthier, or more confident.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To gradually make someone or something stronger, healthier, or more confident.
Another meaning of 'build up' is 'increase gradually'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Regular exercise can help you build up your strength after an illness.
Joining group discussions is a good way to build up your speaking skills in English.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I'm trying to build up my confident.
Say: I'm trying to build up my confidence.
It's the noun 'confidence', not the adjective 'confident'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Gradually augment your physical strength' is clinical; 'build up your strength' is everyday.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
build up + strength/confidence
- your strength
- confidence
- muscle
- slowly
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- build up (increase gradually) — Another meaning of 'build up' is 'increase gradually'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.