What is difference between on and upon
by Yogi P - October 26, 2023
Difference between On and Upon
The English language—with its multitude of words and countless uses—can often be confusing. This is especially true when dealing with words that may appear to be similar but actually have different meanings and usages.
This is the case with on and upon, two words that are often confused and interchanged in writing and speaking.
On
The word on is generally used as a preposition, and it communicates a variety of meanings. Most often, it denotes a physical proximity or occupation of a particular spot. For instance:
- He was sitting on the couch.
- In other instances, the word on can be used to refer to a specific date, or a particular day.
- The exam is scheduled to take place on October 5.
- The usage of on as an adverb is common as well, usually meaning in operation or in progress.
- You can press the button to turn the machine on.
Upon
Unlike on, upon is used more as a conjunction and bond serving to push forward a process, thus introducing an idea or concept. For instance:
- Upon further review of the case, the judge decided to acquit the accused.
- In a few selective cases, the word upon may also be used as a preposition, to denote a figurative viewpoint or a state of mind.
- He held a different view upon the matter.
Difference between On and Upon – Meaning and Usage
There is a clear distinction between the two words, as evidenced by the examples. As a preposition, on typically refers to proximity and time, denoting a physical location of occupation. On the other hand, as a conjunction, upon serves to advance an idea or opinion.
Another way to look at the difference between the two words is by referring to the context and purpose they are used in. On is often used to simply indicate a situation or state, focusing more on the object being referred to. Upon, on the other hand, establishes a cause and effect relationship in a sentence, and it is usually meant to show the result of an action.
Examples of Difference between On and Upon
Below are several examples that help to further illustrate this difference.
- He put a handkerchief on his forehead. (On is used as a preposition to describe a physical proximity.
- He stayed up late to work on his project. (On is used as an adverb to mean “in progress”)
- Upon arriving home, I noticed my bedroom window was open. (Upon is used as a conjunction to introduce an idea.)
- He acted upon hearing the news. (Upon is used as a preposition to denote a figurative viewpoint.)
Summarized table highlighting the differences between on and upon
| Aspect | On | Upon |
|---|---|---|
| Preposition | “On” is a common preposition indicating location or position. | “Upon” is a less common preposition used to indicate a specific point in time, an event, or an action. |
| Usage | – “On” is often used to denote physical location or to indicate a point in time. – It is commonly used in various contexts. | – “Upon” is used more selectively and is typically employed in formal or literary contexts. – It often implies a sense of formality. |
| Examples | – The book is on the table. (indicating physical location) – The event will take place on Saturday. (indicating a point in time) | – Upon her arrival, the ceremony began. (indicating the beginning of an event) – Upon further consideration, he decided to change his mind. (indicating a point in time for a decision) |
| Formality | “On” is more common and can be used in both formal and informal settings. | “Upon” is considered slightly more formal and is often used in formal writing, literature, or speeches. |
| Context | “On” can be used in a wide range of contexts, both casual and formal. | “Upon” is often used in specific, formal, or literary contexts to add a sense of elegance or gravity. |
| Connotation | “On” typically has a neutral connotation. | “Upon” can sometimes imply a sense of formality or old-fashioned charm. |
Activity to Enhance Understanding
To gain a better understanding of the correct usage of on and upon, readers can take some time to analyze texts from sources like newspapers, books, or websites. Carefully reading each sentence to understand how the words have been used, and then taking mental note of the context, can help enhance your understanding of their meanings and usages.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the words on and upon are both parts of the English language. Yet, they both carry different meanings and usages, and it is important to familiarize yourself with them.
While on is primarily used as a preposition or an adverb, upon is more of a conjunctive term used to introduce a cause-and-effect relationship. To gain a better understanding of the correct ways to use these two words, it can be helpful to analyze other peoples’ use of them in their writings.
