On-Upon | Commonly Confused Words
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Upon vs. On

Upon

/ə'pɔn/
Shows something happening because of or immediately after an event or action

Examples:

The decision depends upon you.Upon arrival, she called her friend.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

On

/ɒn/
Indicating a position touching or in contact with the surface of a place or object

Examples:

The book is on the table.I have a meeting on Monday.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • On is a preposition that refers to a position in contact with a surface or when something is supported by something else.
  • Upon is often used more formally than on and can imply something that happens immediately after something else.
  • On is commonly used in everyday speech, whereas upon is often seen in literary contexts.
  • Remember that upon is less commonly used in modern spoken English than on.
  • Consider upon as being more dramatic or poetic than on, which is practical and straightforward.
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