A better verb than build up?

Question

The government decided to build up the curriculum to place more emphasis on ethics.

Is there a better verb a verb that's more appropriate? I would like it to be a phrasal verb if possible.

Laurel · Accepted Answer · 2021-05-13 22:58:26Z

2

Beef up is an option:

to make something stronger or more effective, esp. by adding more support — Cambridge

For example:

What Your State Is Doing To Beef Up Civics Education

It's colorful albeit slightly informal.

answered May 13, 2021 at 22:58

Laurel♦

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Yes, it exists but I find it rather vulgar....
– Lambie
May 13, 2021 at 23:28
@Lambie There's nothing vulgar about it: it comes from the same expression used literally to refer to building up muscles. It would be a little extreme for even a vegan to object to the expression (even considering the other meaning of beef).
– Laurel ♦
May 13, 2021 at 23:45
Laurel, I upvoted you, I used three periods in my comment. I personally do not like the sound of it, it makes me think of beefy guys in sweaty gyms boxing or so forth. And I am not vegan.
– Lambie
May 13, 2021 at 23:56

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