not upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is not based on or dependent upon a particular condition or factor. Example: "The decision was made not upon personal feelings, but on objective data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, that day is not upon us".

The Guardian - Sport

You're not upon by being asked.

Harvard Business Review

The tax is not upon the spirits.

Cornell University

"Lean not upon anyone," was one of the rules.

The New York Times

Such heroic days, however, are not upon us quite yet.

The Guardian

The responsibility therefor rests upon legislators, not upon the courts.

Cornell University

Responses to the needs of millions of vulnerable people should not depend not upon box-ticking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Desires articles of general interest, especially to women, but not upon dress or dress reform.

The New Yorker

Thus, reading comprehension is dependent upon the quality of literary exposure, not upon age.

The New York Times - Books

The reader's mental eye should focus "through type and not upon it".

The New Yorker

The terror may repeat, and it is happening not upon a time, but upon our time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not upon", ensure clarity by specifying the factor or condition that something does not depend on. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "not upon" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "not based on" or "not on" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not upon" functions primarily as a negated preposition, indicating that something is independent of or not predicated on a specific condition, factor, or basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It modifies verbs or nouns to specify a lack of reliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

49%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a lack of dependence or foundation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's most appropriate in formal, academic, or scientific contexts where precision is valued. Simpler alternatives like ""not based on"" or ""not reliant on"" may be more suitable for informal settings. Remember to specify what is not being relied upon for maximum clarity. "Not upon" serves to emphasize independence and clarify the true basis of a condition or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not based on

Replaces the preposition "upon" with "based on", offering a more common and direct alternative.

not reliant on

Substitutes "upon" with "reliant on", emphasizing a lack of dependence.

not dependent on

Uses "dependent on" instead of "upon", highlighting the absence of reliance.

not contingent on

Replaces "upon" with "contingent on", suggesting that something does not rely on a specific condition.

not predicated on

Offers a more formal substitute, indicating something is not founded or based on something else.

not determined by

Focuses on the lack of determination by a particular factor, rather than general reliance.

not subject to

Indicates that something is not controlled or affected by a particular thing.

independent of

Highlights the separateness and lack of influence from a specific element.

unrelated to

Emphasizes that no connection exists between two elements.

irrespective of

Indicates that something is considered without regard to a particular factor.

FAQs

What does "not upon" mean?

The phrase "not upon" means that something is not based on, dependent on, or reliant on a specific thing. It indicates a lack of influence or foundation.

How can I use "not upon" in a sentence?

You can use "not upon" to express that a decision, condition, or outcome does not rely on something else. For example, "The decision was made "not based on" personal feelings, but on objective data."

What are some alternatives to "not upon"?

Alternatives to "not upon" include "not based on", "not dependent on", and "not reliant on". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "not on" instead of "not upon"?

While "not upon" is grammatically correct, "not on" is often more common and less formal. Use "not upon" when a more elevated tone is appropriate. For most everyday situations, "not based on" is preferred.