based upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is determined or derived from something else as a foundation. For example, "Our plans are based upon the results of the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm surely not going to justify war based upon God.

The New York Times

Arrogance based upon ignorance.

The Guardian

Fees are based upon asset size.

The New York Times

"I chose him based upon his convictions, based upon his ideals, based upon his work ethic, based upon his experience – based upon working with him for even before his father began working with me".

The New York Times

Our playlist is based upon music from the Mac generation.

The Guardian - Music

Miss Penluna was indeed based upon a real person.

The Guardian

"I'm going to win this election based upon issues.

The New York Times

Whether or not one makes decisions based upon sound principles.

The New York Times

At its root, stigma is based upon ignorance.

The Guardian

Relatability is based upon vulnerability, which creates likability.

The New Yorker

This is an industry entirely based upon passion.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based upon", ensure clarity by specifying exactly what the foundation or source is. Avoid vague or ambiguous references.

Common error

While both "based on" and "based upon" are acceptable, using both together is redundant. Choose one and stick to it for a cleaner sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based upon" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the foundation, source, or reason for something, showing that one thing is determined or derived from another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating a foundation or source. According to Ludwig AI, it is acceptable in written English. While often interchangeable with "based on", "based upon" may convey a slightly more formal tone. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. Related alternatives include "predicated on" and "founded on". When writing, ensure you clearly specify the source or foundation. It is important to note that using both "based on" and "based upon" together is redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predicated on

This alternative suggests a strong logical foundation, similar to a legal or philosophical argument.

founded on

Focuses on the establishment of something with a specific base or set of principles.

dependent on

Emphasizes the reliance of one thing on another for its existence or function.

contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of something, relying on the occurrence of something else.

drawing from

Implies a selection of elements from a source, often used in creative or analytical contexts.

stemming from

Indicates a causal relationship, where something originates or results from a particular source.

rooted in

Suggests a deep and fundamental connection to a particular origin or source.

arising from

Similar to stemming from, indicating the beginning or emergence of something from a source.

informed by

Highlights the influence of a source of information or understanding on a decision or perspective.

grounded in

Emphasizes a solid and practical foundation, suggesting stability and reliability.

FAQs

What is the difference between "based on" and "based upon"?

The phrases "based on" and "based upon" are largely interchangeable. "Based on" is more common in modern usage, while "based upon" can sound slightly more formal but carries the same meaning.

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

You can use "based upon" to indicate that something is derived from or reliant on something else. For instance, "The film is "based upon a true story"" or "Decisions were "based upon the evidence" presented."

Are there formal alternatives to "based upon"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "predicated on", "founded on", and "contingent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "based upon" considered outdated or archaic?

While "based upon" is not as frequently used as "based on", it is not considered outdated. It might lend a slightly more formal or traditional tone to your writing but remains perfectly acceptable.