What is the Difference Between On and Upon?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between "on" and "upon" is the level of formality. "On" is more common and preferred for everyday use, while "upon" is more formal and should be used more sparingly. Both words can function as prepositions and adverbs, and they are mostly interchangeable, with some exceptions. Here are some examples to illustrate their usage:
- "On" is used to denote the location of something or about a certain topic of discussion, such as "The cat is on the couch".
- "Upon" is used to refer to the location/position of a thing or a certain point of time, like in the phrase "Once upon a time, there lived a king and queen".
In summary, "on" and "upon" indicate the same meaning, but "upon" is more formal than "on". When deciding which word to use, consider the context and the level of formality required. In most cases, "on" is the preferred choice for everyday use, while "upon" should be reserved for more formal situations.
Comparative Table: On vs Upon
The difference between "on" and "upon" is primarily related to their usage and the level of formality they convey. Both prepositions can be used interchangeably, but "upon" often makes a sentence look more formal and emphasizes the meaning in certain instances. Here are some key points to consider:
Usage: Both "on" and "upon" can be used to express place and time. For example, "The books are on the shelf" and "She called her husband upon arrival of the flight" are grammatically correct.
Formality: "Upon" is generally considered more formal than "on." Using "upon" can create a more formal tone in your writing or speech.
Emphasis: In some cases, using "upon" can help emphasize the meaning of a sentence. For example, "She depends upon her father for support in her studies" may convey a stronger sense of dependence than "She depends on her father for support in her studies".
| Difference Between "On" and "Upon" | On | Upon |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Expresses place and time | Expresses place and time, often used to create a more formal tone or emphasize meaning |
| Usage | Interchangeable with "upon" | Can be used in place of "on" for emphasis or formality |
| Formality | Less formal | More formal |
| Emphasis | No specific emphasis | Can emphasize meaning |
In summary, while both "on" and "upon" can be used to express place and time, "upon" is often used to create a more formal tone or emphasize the meaning of a sentence. However, the choice between "on" and "upon" does not typically change the overall meaning of a sentence.