stand upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand upon which" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in a context where you are referring to a specific foundation or basis for an argument or idea, but it is better to use more straightforward expressions. Example: "The principles of justice are the stand upon which our legal system is built."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A lectern is a sort of reading stand, upon which one might put notes, that one stands behind.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The retort-stand upon which time has experimented with human mortality, that's the sort of observation you'd make - but far cruder.

The Guardian - Books

It gently pulls Joe Pa off the pedestal upon which he has long stood.

The New York Times - Books

In many works of art there is a dominant theme, or motif, which stands out and upon which the other portions are centred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It now appears as a large, square plinth (the processional path) upon which stand five terraces gradually diminishing in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lights slowly come up and the whole stage is composed of massive tiers, upon which stand the entire company.

The Guardian - Music

At the northern end of Lake Paranoá, separated from the inner city, is a peninsula upon which stand many fashionable homes; a similar neighbourhood exists on the southern lakeshore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A marble terrace rises above the marble balustrades that surround it, upon which stand beautiful ancient bronzes in the shapes of caldrons, cranes, turtles, compasses, and ancient measuring instruments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the differences, however, several achievements of GOCE (e.g. demonstration of long-duration wide-band drag compensation, ultra-sensitive accelerometers, stable non-cryogenic temperature control in low Earth orbit) stand as the basis upon which NGGM is being defined.

Advances in Space Research

In the former post office, forms and licence applications and a bottle of dried ink still stand on the counter, while in a back room stands "a nice dresser, upon which [stands] a teapot and a jug and some sheet music: 'Red Sails in the Sunset', 'The General's Fast Asleep' and 'You Can't Do That There 'Ere.' Nobody on Stroma will ever sing those songs now".

Wikipedia

The city's remains lie on successive terraces that rise from a plain to a steep hill upon which stands the Temple of Athena Polias.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stand upon which", ensure the context clearly indicates a foundational or principled stance. This phrase is best suited for formal writing where you want to emphasize the importance of a base or support for an idea or action.

Common error

Avoid using "stand upon which" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "based on" or "relying on" are often more appropriate and natural in everyday conversation and less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand upon which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying the foundation or basis. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing principles, values, or grounds that support an idea or action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand upon which" is a relative clause used to emphasize the foundational support for an idea or action. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it can sound somewhat formal, with usage noted in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Simpler alternatives like "based on" or "relying on" may be more suitable for informal contexts. The related phrases offer variations in wording while maintaining a similar semantic core. The phrase functions to stress the fundamental nature of a supporting element in an argument or belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foundation on which to stand

Replaces "stand" with "foundation" to emphasize the base or support.

the basis on which to stand

Substitutes "stand" with "basis" focusing on the underlying principle or reason.

the platform on which to stand

Replaces "stand" with "platform", highlighting a place or opportunity for action.

the grounds on which to stand

Uses "grounds" to suggest a reasoned or justified position.

the principle upon which to stand

Emphasizes adherence to a moral or ethical code.

the values upon which to stand

Focuses on core beliefs and principles as the support.

the bedrock upon which to stand

Implies a strong, unshakeable foundation.

the support upon which to rely

Shifts focus from "stand" to "rely" to highlight dependence.

the framework within which to operate

Uses "framework" to suggest a structured system.

the structure upon which to build

Emphasizes construction or development based on a foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "stand upon which" in a sentence?

Use "stand upon which" to describe a foundation or principle that supports an idea or action. For example: "Integrity is the principle "upon which" his reputation stands."

What's a simpler way to say "stand upon which"?

Alternatives to "stand upon which" include "based on", "relying on", or "founded on". These options are generally more common and easier to understand in modern English.

Is it always appropriate to use "stand upon which" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "stand upon which" can sound somewhat archaic. Consider whether a more direct phrase like "the foundation "on which"" might be clearer and more impactful.

What's the difference between "stand upon which" and "rely on"?

"Stand upon which" suggests a foundational support, while "rely on" indicates dependence. Use "stand upon which" when emphasizing the underlying base of something, and "rely on" when emphasizing dependence or trust.