When Should You Use “On” vs “Upon”? (With Examples & Rules)
| Preposition | Meaning | Formality | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| On | Shows position, contact, or surface | Common, informal | The book is on the table. |
| Upon | Means the same as "on," but more formal and literary | Formal, used in literature or official contexts | Upon arrival, she greeted everyone. |
Difference Between On and Upon
The difference between "on" and "upon" lies in usage and formality. "On" is used for contact, position, or surface in everyday sentences. "Upon" has the same meaning but is more formal, often seen in stories, notices, or legal writing.
Definition and Usage of "On"
"On" is a preposition showing that something touches or covers a surface. It is used in daily English and appears in spoken, written, and exam contexts.
- The pen is on the desk.
- There is a sticker on my bag.
- He went on a trip.
Definition and Usage of "Upon"
"Upon" also acts as a preposition. It means the same as "on," but creates a formal or literary tone. It is often used in stories, historical writing, or formal statements.
- Upon opening the box, she smiled.
- The decision was made upon review.
- Once upon a time, there was a king.
Table of Key Differences: On vs. Upon
| Aspect | On | Upon | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Shows contact, surface, or time | Same as "on," but more formal | The cat sat on the mat. Upon hearing news, she acted. |
| Formality | Informal, daily use | Formal, literary, historic | The phone is on the shelf. Upon completion, inform us. |
| Context | Conversation, simple writing | Stories, notices, legal, exams | She went on the stage. The prize was given upon merit. |
| Interchange | Usually preferred | Sometimes can replace "on" to sound more formal | Report is on completion. (Report is upon completion - more formal) |
On vs. Upon in Sentences
See how "on" and "upon" are used in sentences. Sometimes both fit, but style or formality changes.
| "On" Sentence | "Upon" Sentence |
|---|---|
| He placed his hand on the table. | He placed his hand upon the table. (formal) |
| She acted on hearing the news. | She acted upon hearing the news. (formal, more common in writing) |
| The document is on his desk. | (Not natural to use "upon" here) |
| The class ends on completion of the project. | The class ends upon completion of the project. (official, written English) |
Rules and Tips for Using "On" vs. "Upon"
- Use "on" in daily speech and writing.
- Use "upon" when you want a formal or story-like tone.
- Both mean similar things in many contexts.
- For exams, choose "on" in most cases; use "upon" if sentence sounds formal.
- When in doubt, read the sentence aloud—use "upon" if you want to sound official or narrative.
Common Mistakes with On and Upon
- Incorrect: She depended in upon her friend.
Correct: She depended upon her friend. - Incorrect: Write your name upon the line. (Formal, but "on" is preferred.)
Correct: Write your name on the line. - Incorrect: The alarm rang on arrival. (Both work, but "upon arrival" is more natural in formal context.)
- Incorrect: The document is upon my desk.
Correct: The document is on my desk.
Quick Quiz: Fill in the Blanks (On or Upon)
- 1. The fairy tale began, "Once _____ a time..."
Answer: upon - 2. The keys are _____ the counter.
Answer: on - 3. _____ reaching home, call me.
Answer: Upon - 4. He came _____ Monday morning.
Answer: on - 5. The final will be decided _____ review.
Answer: upon
Summary: On vs. Upon in English Prepositions
Knowing the difference between "on" and "upon" helps you write correctly and sound confident in English. "On" is standard for daily and exam English. "Upon" is used for formality, stories, or official writing. Practice with these tips for better sentences and success in exams and daily life. For more on prepositions, visit Vedantu's Preposition Guide.
FAQs on Difference Between “On” and “Upon” in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between 'on' and 'upon' in English grammar?
The main difference between on and upon lies in their formality and usage. On is commonly used to indicate position or contact, while upon, though meaning the same, carries a more formal or literary tone. Both prepositions express the idea of something being placed on a surface or positioned above another, but upon is considered more sophisticated in style.
2. When should I use 'on' and when 'upon' in a sentence?
Use on in most everyday situations to show position or contact; it's more common and informal. For example, "The book is on the table." Choose upon for formal writing, literary works, or situations where a more elevated style is needed. For instance, "Upon further reflection, I changed my mind." In many cases, you can use either; upon often adds a heightened formality.
3. Are 'on' and 'upon' interchangeable?
While both on and upon generally indicate position or contact, they are not always interchangeable. On is more common and versatile in everyday speech and informal writing. Upon adds a more formal or literary tone. Choosing the right preposition depends on the context and the desired level of formality.
4. Can you provide examples of sentences using 'on' and 'upon'?
Here are some examples illustrating the usage of on and upon:
On: The cat sat on the mat. The meeting is on Tuesday.
Upon: Upon closer inspection, the painting revealed a hidden flaw. Upon hearing the news, she wept. Note the difference in tone and formality.
5. Is 'upon' more formal than 'on'?
Yes, upon is generally considered more formal than on. On is typically used in informal speech and writing, while upon is found more often in formal writing, literary works, and more elevated speech. Think of upon as a more refined and less frequently used synonym for on.
6. Where do we use 'on' and 'upon'?
On is the more common and versatile preposition for indicating position or contact. You'll see on frequently in everyday conversations and informal writing, indicating placement on a surface. Upon is used in more formal writing styles; it's less common but creates a more elevated or literary effect. Consider the formality of the context when deciding between the two.
7. What is the rule of 'upon'?
There isn't a strict grammatical rule dictating when to use upon, but its usage tends towards formal contexts. Essentially, upon functions similarly to on, but conveys a more sophisticated, literary, or dramatic tone. Its use often adds a subtle air of formality or emphasis to a sentence, rather than conveying a different fundamental meaning compared to on.
8. When should 'upon' be used?
Use upon when you want to elevate the formality or tone of your writing. This is often appropriate in literary contexts, formal speeches, or business communications where a more polished, less colloquial style is desired. It signals a more deliberate, considered action or state than simply using 'on'.
9. What is the difference between 'on me' and 'upon me'?
The difference between "on me" and "upon me" mirrors the general distinction between the two prepositions. "On me" is informal and straightforward, indicating something affecting or resting directly on the speaker. "Upon me" carries more weight; it sounds more formal, possibly suggesting a greater impact or responsibility being placed on the speaker.
10. Why do some English exam questions insist on one preposition over the other?
Exam questions might favor one preposition over the other to test understanding of subtle nuances in formal and informal language. The choice between on and upon often reflects style and register, a key aspect of grammar assessed in exams. Knowing these distinctions shows mastery of more advanced grammar skills.
