# upon

/əˈpɑn/ (US) · /əpˈɒn/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Preposition

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upon
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a more formal way to say 'on'. You use it when something is on top of something else or when one thing happens right after another.

For teachers: on or onto something; also used to indicate that one event occurs immediately after another. More formal in register than 'on' and frequently used in literary or academic contexts.

## Examples

- The cat sat upon the wooden fence.
- Upon arriving at the hotel, the guests were greeted with a warm drink and a map of the city.
- The success of the entire operation depends upon the precise coordination of the ground teams and the local authorities during the first hour.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He put the book upon of the table" but "He put the book upon the table" — Upon is a preposition and does not require 'of' to follow it.

## Usage notes

- Often used in fixed expressions like 'once upon a time' or after certain verbs like 'depend', 'rely', or 'insist'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.