UPON meaning and definition

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What Does "Upon" Mean? A Guide to Clarifying the Meaning of a Common Preposition

When it comes to grammar, there are few words that can be as tricky to understand as prepositions. And among them, "upon" is one of the most commonly misused or misunderstood prepositions in English language. In this article, we'll delve into what "upon" really means and provide examples to help you master its usage.

What Does "Upon" Mean?

In essence, "upon" is a preposition that indicates a sense of rest, support, or foundation on something. It can also convey the idea of a sudden or unexpected event occurring. The word "upon" often implies a relationship between two entities, such as an object and its surface, a person and their actions, or an event and its cause.

Basic Meaning: Rest, Support, or Foundation

When used to indicate rest or support, "upon" can mean that something is placed on top of another thing. For example:

The vase sits upon the table.
She stood upon her soapbox to deliver a passionate speech.

In these examples, "upon" suggests that the vase and she are resting on the table and soapbox, respectively.

Other Meanings: Sudden Event or Cause

When used to convey a sudden event or cause, "upon" can imply a sense of unexpectedness or surprise. For example:

The news upon which I based my decision was incorrect.
The storm upon our city was devastating.

In these examples, "upon" suggests that the news and storm were unexpected events that had significant consequences.

Common Mistakes: Overusing or Misusing "Upon"

One of the most common mistakes people make when using "upon" is overusing it. While it's true that "upon" can be a useful preposition in certain contexts, it's not always necessary to use it. In fact, often times, other prepositions like "on," "at," or "to" can convey the same meaning more accurately.

For instance:

Incorrect: The package was wrapped upon its top.
Correct: The package was wrapped at its top.

Another mistake is misusing "upon" to mean "from" or "due to." For example:

Incorrect: I'm grateful for this gift upon which I've been waiting all year.
Correct: I'm grateful for this gift from which I've been waiting all year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the meaning of "upon" requires a nuanced grasp of its various uses. Whether indicating rest or support, sudden events, or causes, "upon" is a preposition that can add depth and complexity to your writing and speaking. By avoiding common mistakes and mastering its usage, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident user of this versatile word.

References

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary
Cambridge Dictionary
Grammar Girl: "Upon" Preposition Explained

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