What Does "Upon" Mean?
"Upon" is a preposition that can be tricky to understand. It means that something is happening at the same time or directly after something else. It is often used to describe timing or a sequence of events. For example, "Upon finishing breakfast, I went for a walk." This means that the walk happened immediately after breakfast.
Using "Upon" in Writing
The word "upon" can add variety and sophistication to your writing. However, it can also come across as overly formal or pompous if used too often. It is important to use it in the right context and sparingly. It is often used in literature and poetry to create a sense of elegance or importance. For example, "Upon the hilltop, the castle stood majestic and proud." This sentence uses "upon" to give added emphasis to the location of the castle.
Examples of "Upon" in Literature
There are many examples of "upon" being used in literature throughout history. One famous example is from the opening sentence of Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities." The sentence reads, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." The use of "upon" in this sentence emphasizes the time period that is being described.
Common Phrases Using "Upon"
There are many common phrases in the English language that use "upon." Some examples include: "Once upon a time," which is often used to begin fairy tales, "upon further consideration," which means after more thought or analysis, and "upon reflection," which means after thinking back on something. These phrases can add color and personality to your writing or speech.
Conclusion
"Upon" is a versatile word that can be used to add emphasis to timing or sequence in your writing. While it can add sophistication and elegance to your work, it is important to use it in moderation and in the right context. Whether you are writing literature, poetry, or simply communicating in everyday language, "upon" is a word that can enhance your writing and help you express your ideas more effectively.