rests upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"rests upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey the idea that something is based on or relies on something else for support or stability. Example: The success of this project rests upon the cooperation and hard work of all team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hostility rests upon decades of mutual suspicions.

The Guardian

That last irony's niceness rests upon considerable spin.

The New York Times - Books

Nonviolent protest, King summarized, "rests upon two pillars.

The New York Times

In like manner, creation itself rests upon universal laws that we cannot ignore.

The New York Times - Books

The responsibility rests upon this assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India.

The Guardian

The entire superstructure rests upon iron and columns, fixed to the ground by means of screws.

The Guardian - Books

It is a simple, even naïve-sounding principle, yet an entire majestic tradition rests upon it.

The New Yorker

Williams' principal fame as an economist rests upon his writings in the field of international trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bejeweled crown rests upon her head and she holds a scepter in her right hand.

The New York Times - Arts

You might say the success of his second term rests upon him solving it.

The New York Times

This conclusion, however, rests upon a doubtful equation of those "of the circumcision" with Jewish Christians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context when using "rests upon". While widely applicable, alternatives like "is based on" might be more suitable for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "rests upon" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb like "depends" or "relies" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rests upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating dependence or foundation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to signify that something is fundamentally based on or reliant on another element. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rests upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate a fundamental dependency or relationship. While highly prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, it's advisable to consider less formal alternatives like "is based on" or "relies on" in more casual settings. To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, make a conscious effort to avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is based on

This alternative is more direct and implies a foundation or origin.

relies on

This alternative emphasizes dependence and trust in something.

depends on

This alternative suggests that the outcome is contingent on something else.

is contingent on

This alternative highlights the conditional nature of the relationship.

is predicated on

This alternative is more formal and indicates a necessary condition.

is grounded in

This alternative suggests a solid and fundamental basis.

is founded on

This alternative emphasizes the establishment or creation based on something.

hinges on

This alternative implies that everything turns on a single point or factor.

is supported by

This alternative indicates that something is upheld or maintained by something else.

is underpinned by

This alternative suggests a less visible but essential supporting structure.

FAQs

What does "rests upon" mean?

"Rests upon" means that something is based on, depends on, or relies on something else for support, validity, or success. It indicates a foundational relationship.

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

You can use "rests upon" to show that an idea, argument, or system depends on a particular principle or fact. For example, "The entire legal framework "rests upon" the principle of equality before the law."

What are some alternatives to "rests upon"?

Alternatives to "rests upon" include "is based on", "relies on", "depends on", and "is contingent on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rests upon" formal or informal?

"Rests upon" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "depends on" or "relies on". While appropriate in academic, scientific, and professional contexts, it might sound overly stilted in casual conversation.