cast upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast upon" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe a task or action that was completed in the past. For example, "The actor was cast upon the stage for the first time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blame is cast upon that awful defense.

The New York Times

'You are rather cast upon God in here,' he says.

The Guardian - Books

"Better to have doubt cast upon your judgement than to be somehow to be blamed".

Independent

People come to see the trout too, they surface when popcorn is cast upon the water.

The New Yorker

Recent Recordings of Aspersions cast upon the Vernal Season by persons of probity and consequence.

The New Yorker

"These aren't shadows cast upon a cavern wall but the stuff of political experience itself".

The New Yorker

That investment has turned out to be the proverbial bread cast upon the waters.

The New York Times - Books

Theranos is not the only Silicon Valley company to have doubt cast upon its core science.

The Guardian - Tech

"Cast Upon an Unknown Land: Some Uses of Trauma in Colonial Settlement Narratives," American Studies Association, Houston (2002).

University of California, Berkeley

Indirect light is sometimes cast upon legislation by provisions dealing with the same problem in related enactments.

Cornell University

Suspicion was cast upon the provenance of the Euphronios krater almost as soon as its purchase was announced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast upon" when you want to emphasize the act of something being directed or placed onto something else, often with a sense of influence or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cast upon" interchangeably with simpler prepositions like "on" or "at" if the intention is not to convey a sense of direction, influence, or impact. "The book on the table" is more appropriate than "the book cast upon the table" unless you intend to imply a specific significance to the book's placement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast upon" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a passive construction. It describes the act of directing, imposing, or placing something (like light, blame, or a burden) onto someone or something else. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage, such as "Suspicion was cast upon the provenance."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cast upon" is a versatile verb phrase that functions to describe the act of directing, imposing, or placing something onto someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, often carrying a nuance of influence or impact. While usable in various contexts, it tends to lend a slightly formal tone to writing. The examples found via Ludwig highlight its frequent appearance in news, academic, and literary sources, suggesting that while being widely available, it's very important to consider that it is very different from other similar alternatives and using one instead of another can dramatically alter the meaning and intention of the writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

placed on

Focuses on the action of putting something physically on a surface.

directed at

Emphasizes the directionality of an action or thought towards something.

imposed on

Highlights the authoritative or forceful placement of something.

laid upon

Emphasizes the laying or placing of something, often with a sense of burden or duty.

bestowed upon

Implies a formal or ceremonial presentation or granting of something.

inflicted upon

Highlights the negative or harmful impact of something being placed on something else.

ascribed to

Focuses on attributing a quality or characteristic to something.

attributed to

Similar to 'ascribed to', but can also refer to cause and effect.

levied on

Implies the imposition of a tax, fee, or other formal charge.

heaped upon

Suggests an abundant or excessive quantity being placed on something.

FAQs

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

You can use "cast upon" to describe something being directed or placed onto something else, often implying influence or impact. For example, "Suspicion was "cast upon" the provenance of the artifact."

What phrases can I use instead of "cast upon"?

Alternatives include phrases like "placed on", "directed at", or "imposed on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cast upon" formal or informal?

"Cast upon" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often adds a slightly more elevated or literary tone to the writing. The register depends on the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "cast upon" and "placed on"?

While both phrases involve placing something, "cast upon" often implies a sense of direction, influence, or even imposition. "Placed on" is generally a more neutral term for simply putting something on a surface, whereas "cast upon" suggests a more deliberate action with potential consequences.