What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

[NewHopeR]

What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

Why use "who it is you're with" but not "whom you're with." I cannot get the meaing of the structure "it is" well.


Context:

I say this not because I loved her or am uncomforable using cruder terms but because I thought then and still do that no matter who it is you're with or whether it's the first and/or last time,there's always at least one verifiable moment when you can believe you're doing exactly that, literally trying to make love, build it up, whether by alchemy or chemistry or force of will.

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Aloft - Chang-Rae Lee - Google

 

[SoothingDave]

Re: What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

Many, if not most native speakers do not use "whom" at all.

"Build it up" refers to increasing, building love in this context. The building happens by alchemy, chemistry or force of will.

 

[NewHopeR]

Re: What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

Many, if not most native speakers do not use "whom" at all.

"Build it up" refers to increasing, building love in this context. The building happens by alchemy, chemistry or force of will.

Thank you.
Well, use "who" instead of "whom":

Why use "who it is you're with" but not "who you're with." I cannot get the meaing of the structure "it is" well.

 

[SoothingDave]

Re: What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

There is no meaning difference between "who you're with" and "who it is (that) you're with."

 

[NewHopeR]

Re: What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

There is no meaning difference between "who you're with" and "who it is (that) you're with."

Is the latter more popular?

 

[SoothingDave]

Re: What does "build it up" mean? Does it mean "be activated by alchemy..."?

In something like "It doesn't matter who it is" or "I don't care who it is," yes I think it's more common to add the "it is" to the expression.