What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accrue
Example
Interest will accrue on your savings account each month. [accrue: verb]
Example
Over time, he accrued a vast amount of knowledge in his field. [accrued: past participle]
buildup
Example
The buildup of stress can lead to physical and emotional health problems. [buildup: noun]
Example
He has been working out for months and has seen a significant buildup of muscle mass. [buildup: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buildup is more commonly used than accrue in everyday language. Buildup is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accrue is less common and often used in specific financial or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accrue and buildup?
Accrue is typically associated with a formal tone, while buildup is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
