advance upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"advance upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe approaching or attacking someone or something, often in a military context. For example: The army advanced upon the enemy camp, ready to engage in battle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The mountains shape the charge that will advance upon the city.

The New Yorker

An exultant advance upon his first book, it won the 1987 Whitbread prize and is a classic autobiography.

The Guardian - Books

The pro-Ouattara forces have denied killing civilians in their advance upon Abidjan, blaming any deaths on Gbagbo's soldiers.

The Guardian

While the balls of the rebels are base, it is with base-balls that the sons of the Keystone state advance upon New York.

The New York Times

In 1808 he was sent to negotiate an alliance with the Afghan ruler Shah Shojāʿ to prevent a Napoleonic advance upon India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Money has accumulated in Lombard street, but no more bills drawn against sugar to discount, or warrants to advance upon than in 1824.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The reporters eagerly advanced upon him to get his thoughts or message to the French people.

The New Yorker

Twice he advanced upon Blayney; twice the Northern Ireland international proved equal to his efforts.

The Guardian - Sport

She's dying for a real man to make real advances upon her.

The New Yorker

Behind, two ushers, dressed in uniforms of the Austrian hussars, are advancing upon Miranda.

The New Yorker

As he entered the room, the two ladies advanced upon him and suggested small changes in the music.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "advance upon" to describe a deliberate, often strategic, movement towards a specific target, particularly in contexts involving conflict, progress, or confrontation.

Common error

Avoid using "advance upon" in contexts where a simple approach would suffice. Its strong connotation of intent or potential conflict can sound overly dramatic in neutral situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advance upon" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a forward movement toward a specific point or target. As Ludwig AI suggests, it often denotes an intentional or forceful approach. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in military, competitive, and even abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "advance upon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a directed movement toward a specific target. As indicated by Ludwig, it often conveys a sense of purpose, confrontation, or strategic intent. While applicable across various contexts, it is best suited for scenarios where the sense of deliberate movement is relevant. Its frequency is notable in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. The choice of "advance upon" should be carefully considered, as overuse in non-aggressive contexts can sound overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approach

Indicates a general movement closer to something, lacking the implication of aggression or direct intent inherent in "advance upon".

move towards

Similar to "approach", but can suggest a more deliberate direction, though still without the forceful connotation of "advance upon".

press forward

Implies continued movement despite resistance, focusing on the effort rather than the target. "Advance upon" focuses more on the target itself.

converge on

Suggests multiple entities moving towards a single point, whereas "advance upon" can be singular or multiple entities moving towards a single point.

storm

Conveys a forceful and sudden attack, lacking the element of sustained progress implied by "advance upon".

encroach on

Implies a gradual or insidious intrusion, without the direct action implied by "advance upon".

assail

Focuses on the act of violent attack, not necessarily implying forward movement as "advance upon" does.

make an incursion into

Suggests entering a territory, emphasizing the entry rather than the progressive movement inherent in "advance upon".

draw near

Indicates closeness in proximity, not necessarily forward moving like "advance upon".

descend upon

Conveys a sudden and overwhelming arrival, often unexpected, whereas "advance upon" suggests a more deliberate and progressive movement.

FAQs

How can I use "advance upon" in a sentence?

You can use "advance upon" to describe a movement toward a specific location or entity, often with a sense of purpose or aggression. For example, "The troops began to "move towards" the enemy camp" or "The innovator tried to "make progress in" a new field".

What are some alternatives to "advance upon"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "approach", ""move towards"", or "converge on".

When is it appropriate to use "advance upon"?

It's most appropriate when describing a deliberate movement with a specific goal, often implying a challenge or confrontation. Consider it when "approach" lacks the necessary sense of purpose or intensity.

What is the nuance between "advance upon" and "descend upon"?

"Advance upon" suggests a more gradual and intentional movement, while "descend upon" implies a sudden and overwhelming arrival. The former is a strategic move; the latter is an immediate impact.