On vs. Upon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 30, 2023
On" is a common preposition indicating position or continuity, while "Upon" is a more formal variant, often implying movement or action.
Key Differences
"On" and "Upon" are prepositions in the English language, integral to illustrating relationships between different elements in a sentence. While "On" is frequently used in everyday language to denote position, "Upon" carries a slightly more formal tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
The usage of "On" is diverse, often signifying a surface contact or support. For instance, when we say, "The book is on the table," we describe the book's position. "Upon," on the other hand, can be used interchangeably with "On" in some contexts but is often chosen to emphasize an action, like "She stumbled upon a secret."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
"On" frequently relates to continuity in events or actions. An example could be, "On hearing the news, he left immediately." In contrast, "Upon" can stress immediacy or directly following an action: "Upon hearing the news, he was shocked."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Time references often utilize "On" to mark specific days or dates: "I will meet you on Friday." While "Upon" might be less common in temporal contexts, it shines in literary or ceremonial usages, like "Once upon a time."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
In modern American English, "On" is pervasive in both spoken and written contexts due to its simplicity and brevity. "Upon" is a touch more poetic or elevated, reserving its place for more deliberate emphases or formal writings.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Commonality
Frequently used in everyday language.
More formal and less common than "On."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Position vs. Action
Primarily denotes position.
Often emphasizes action or movement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Temporal Usage
Used for specific days or dates.
Rarely used in temporal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
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On and Upon Definitions
Upon
Shortly or immediately after.
Upon seeing the scene, he called the police.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
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On
Used to indicate position above and supported by or in contact with
The vase is on the table. We rested on our hands and knees.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate contact with or extent over (a surface) regardless of position
A picture on the wall.
A rash on my back.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
On
The leaves are scattered upon the grass. He put the book upon the table. Upon hearing the news, we all cheered.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate location at or along
The pasture on the south side of the river.
A house on the highway.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
Physically directly supported by.
The crew set sail upon the sea.
She balanced upon one foot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
Being followed by another so as to form a series.
Hours upon hours, years upon years, mile upon mile of desert
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position
On the young side, but experienced.
On her third beer.
Stopped on chapter two.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
At (a prescribed point in time).
The contract was rendered void upon his death.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate actual motion toward, against, or onto
Jumped on the table.
The march on Washington.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract motion toward, against, or onto
Going on six o'clock.
Came on the answer by accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
On; - used in all the senses of that word, with which it is interchangeable.
Our host upon his stirrups stood anon.
Thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar.
The Philistines be upon thee, Samson.
As I did stand my watch upon the hill.
He made a great difference between people that did rebel upon wantonness, and them that did rebel upon want.
This advantage we lost upon the invention of firearms.
Upon the whole, it will be necessary to avoid that perpetual repetition of the same epithets which we find in Homer.
He had abandoned the frontiers, retiring upon Glasgow.
Philip swore upon the Evangelists to abstain from aggression in my absence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate occurrence at a given time
On July third.
Every hour on the hour.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Upon
Used to emphasize something unexpected or coincidental.
He stumbled upon a hidden treasure.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the particular occasion or circumstance
On entering the room, she saw him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object affected by actual, perceptible action
The spotlight fell on the actress. He knocked on the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object affected by a figurative action
Have pity on them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object of an action directed, tending, or moving against it
An attack on the fortress.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object of perception or thought
Gazed on the vista.
Meditated on his actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate the agent or agency of a specified action
Cut his foot on the broken glass.
Talked on the telephone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate a medicine or other corrective taken or undertaken routinely
Went on a strict diet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate a substance that is the cause of an addiction, a habit, or an altered state of consciousness
High on dope.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Used to indicate a source or basis
"We will reach our judgments not on intentions or on promises but on deeds and on results" (Margaret Thatcher).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In or into a position or condition of being supported by or in contact with something
Put the coffee on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In or into a position of being attached to or covering something
Put your clothes on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time; forward
The play moved on to the next city.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Toward or to a different state or condition
Let's move on to another subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In a condition of being scheduled for or decided upon
There is a party on tonight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Engaged in a given function or activity, such as a vocal or dramatic role
You're on in five minutes!.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(Informal) Functioning or performing at a high degree of competence or energy
The goalie is really on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
All the lights are on, so they must be home.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Performing according to schedule; taking place.
Are we still on for tonight?
Is the show still on?
We had to ration our food because there was a war on.
That TV programme that you wanted to watch is on now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Fitted; covering; being worn.
Your feet will soon warm up once your socks are on.
I was trying to drink out of the bottle while the top was still on!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(postpositive) Of a stated part of something, oriented towards the viewer or other specified direction.
The photograph shows the UFO side on.
Edge on, side on, end on, face on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(informal) Destined, normally in the context of a challenge being accepted; involved, doomed.
"Five bucks says the Cavs win tonight." ―"You're on!"
Mike just threw coffee onto Paul's lap. It's on now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Having reached a base as a runner and being positioned there, awaiting further action from a subsequent batter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(cricket) Within the half of the field on the same side as the batsman's legs; the left side for a right-handed batsman.
The captain moved two fielders to the on side.
Ponsonby-Smythe hit a thumping on drive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
So as to cover or be fitted.
The lid wasn't screwed on properly.
Put on your hat and gloves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(obsolete in the US) Later.
Ten years on, nothing had changed in the village.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Of betting odds, denoting a better-than-even chance. See also odds-on.
That horse is twenty-to-one on, so you need to stake twenty pounds just to win one pound.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above.
A vase of flowers stood on the table.
Please lie down on the couch.
The parrot was sitting on Jim's shoulder.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Positioned at or resting against the outer surface of; attached to.
He had a scar on the side of his face.
There is a dirty smudge on this window.
The painting hangs on the wall.
The fruit ripened on the trees.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Expressing figurative placement or attachment.
All of the responsibility is on him.
I put a bet on the winning horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with.
To play on a violin or piano
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At or in (a certain region or location).
The lighthouse that you can see is on the mainland.
The suspect is thought to still be on the campus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Near; adjacent to; alongside.
The fleet is on the American coast.
Croton-on-Hudson, Rostov-on-Don, Southend-on-Sea
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Supported by (the specified part of itself).
A table can't stand on two legs.
After resting on his elbows, he stood on his toes, then walked on his heels.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(with certain modes of transport, especially public transport) Inside (a vehicle) for the purpose of travelling.
On a bus, on a train, on a plane
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Some time during the day of.
On Sunday I'm busy. I'll see you on Monday.
Can I see you on a different day?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At a given time after the start of something; at.
Smith scored again on twelve minutes, doubling Mudchester Rovers' lead.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Dealing with the subject of; about; concerning.
I was reading a book on history.
The city hosted the World Summit on the Information Society
I have no opinion on this subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Because of, or due to.
To arrest someone on suspicion of bribery
To contact someone on a hunch
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Upon; at the time of (and often because of).
On Jack's entry, William got up to leave.
On the addition of ammonia, a chemical reaction begins.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Paid for by.
The drinks are on me tonight, boys.
The meal is on the house.
I paid for the airfare and meals for my family, but the hotel room was on the company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicating a means or medium.
I saw it on television.
Can't you see I'm on the phone?
My favorite shows are on BBC America.
The Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show is on YouTube.
The film was released on DVD.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicating the target of, or thing affected by, an event or action.
They planned an attack on London.
The soldiers mutinied and turned their guns on their officers.
Her words made a lasting impression on my mind.
What will be the effect on morale?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Toward; for; indicating the object of an emotion.
Have pity or compassion on him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicating a means of subsistence.
They lived on ten dollars a week.
The dog survived three weeks on rainwater.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Engaged in or occupied with (an action or activity).
He's on his lunch break.
I'm on nights all this week.
On vacation; on holiday; on the job; on the fiddle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Regularly taking (a drug).
You've been on these antidepressants far too long.
He's acting so strangely, I think he must be on something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Under the influence of (a drug).
He's acting crazy because he's on crack right now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(mathematics) Having as domain and V as codomain, for some set V and integer n.
An operator on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In addition to; besides; indicating multiplication or succession in a series.
Heaps on heaps of food
Mischief on mischief; loss on loss
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicating dependence or reliance.
I depended on them for assistance.
He will promise on certain conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
By virtue of; with the pledge of.
He affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honour.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
To the account or detriment of; denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon.
On us be all the blame.
A curse on him!
Please don't tell on her and get her in trouble.
He turned on her and has been her enemy ever since.
He went all honest on me, making me listen to his confession.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(especially when numbers of combatants or competitors are specified) Against; in opposition to.
The fight was three on one, and he never stood a chance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In the Japanese language, a pronunciation, or reading, of a kanji character that was originally based on the character's pronunciation in Chinese, contrasted with kun.
Most kanji have two kinds of reading, called "on" and "kun".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
The general signification of on is situation, motion, or condition with respect to contact or support beneath
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At, or in contact with, the surface or upper part of a thing, and supported by it; placed or lying in contact with the surface; as, the book lies on the table, which stands on the floor of a house on an island.
I stood on the bridge at midnight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
To or against the surface of; - used to indicate the motion of a thing as coming or falling to the surface of another; as, rain falls on the earth.
Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with; as, to play on a violin or piano. Hence, figuratively, to work on one's feelings; to make an impression on the mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At or near; adjacent to; - indicating situation, place, or position; as, on the one hand, on the other hand; the fleet is on the American coast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In addition to; besides; - indicating multiplication or succession in a series; as, heaps on heaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicating dependence or reliance; with confidence in; as, to depend on a person for assistance; to rely on; hence, indicating the ground or support of anything; as, he will promise on certain conditions; to bet on a horse; based on certain assumptions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At or in the time of; during; as, on Sunday we abstain from labor. See At (synonym).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
At the time of; - often conveying some notion of cause or motive; as, on public occasions, the officers appear in full dress or uniform; the shop is closed on Sundays.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Toward; for; - indicating the object of some passion; as, have pity or compassion on him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
By virtue of; with the pledge of; - denoting a pledge or engagement, and put before the thing pledged; as, he affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
To the account of; - denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon; as, on us be all the blame; a curse on him.
His blood be on us and on our children.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In reference or relation to; as, on our part expect punctuality; a satire on society.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Occupied with; in the performance of; as, only three officers are on duty; on a journey; on the job; on an assignment; on a case; on the alert.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In the service of; connected with; a member of; as, he is on a newspaper; on a committee.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In reference to; about; concerning; as, to think on it; to meditate on it.
They have added the -en plural form on to an elder plural.
We see the strength of the new movement in the new class of ecclesiastics whom it forced on to the stage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Forward, in progression; onward; - usually with a verb of motion; as, move on; go on; the beat goes on.
The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Forward, in succession; as, from father to son, from the son to the grandson, and so on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In continuance; without interruption or ceasing; as, sleep on, take your ease; say on; sing on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Adhering; not off; as in the phrase, "He is neither on nor off," that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Attached to the body, as clothing or ornament, or for use.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In operation or operational;
Left the oven on
The switch is in the on position
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
(of events) planned or scheduled;
The picnic is on, rain or shine
We have nothing on for Friday night
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Performing or scheduled for duties;
I'm on from five to midnight
Naval personnel on duty in Alaska
Her on-duty hours were 11p.m. to 7 a.m.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
With a forward motion;
We drove along admiring the view
The horse trotted along at a steady pace
The circus traveled on to the next city
Move along
March on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
Indicates continuity or persistence or concentration;
His spirit lives on
Shall I read on?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
On
In a state required for something to function or be effective;
Turn the lights on
Get a load on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Can "On" be used for time references?
Yes, like "on Tuesday" or "on my birthday."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is "On" more prevalent in American English?
"On" is commonly used in both American and British English.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Can "On" and "Upon" be used interchangeably?
Often, but not always; "Upon" can have a more formal or action-oriented connotation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is "Upon" common in storytelling?
Yes, phrases like "Once upon a time" are classic in tales.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Does "On" indicate continuity?
Yes, as in phrases like "on going" or "on hearing the news."
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Is "Upon" more formal than "On"?
Yes, "Upon" is generally more formal or literary than "On."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Can "Upon" be used in formal invitations?
Yes, like "Upon your arrival, please join us."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is "Upon" often seen in older literature?
Yes, its usage was more common in classical English literature.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
What's a poetic use of "Upon"?
"Upon a midnight dreary" from Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven."
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Does "Upon" always fit where "On" is used?
No, context and tone determine their interchangeability.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
How is "Upon" used ceremonially?
It can appear in formal requests or commands, like "call upon."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
In what context is "Upon" most distinguished from "On"?
"Upon" often emphasizes movement or a specific action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Is "On" used for electronic devices?
Yes, like "on the radio" or "on the computer."
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
How does "On" function in phrasal verbs?
It pairs with verbs to create meanings, like "take on" or "put on."
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Are both "On" and "Upon" prepositions?
Yes, both words function as prepositions in English.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
Does "On" suggest engagement?
Yes, as in "She's on a call" or "The TV is on."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
