start upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start upon" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of an action or process, but "start on" or "begin" are more standard alternatives. Example: "I will start upon my new project next week."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He is a more relaxed pitcher than last year, when he got off to a slow start upon joining the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

He finally fell asleep, and woke with a start upon hearing the bugler who would become his pet aversion and the inspiration for the song "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning".

The New Yorker

Crowe throws a second plot into the blender: at the start, upon landing in Honolulu, Brian runs into Tracy Woodside Rachel McAdamss), a former lover who broke up with him thirteen years ago and who's now married, with two children.

The New Yorker

Fitzgerald conflates Jay Gatsby's act of self-invention with the promise of the new world, with the dream of a fresh start upon which the nation was founded: "And as the moon rose higher the inessential houses began to melt away until gradually I became aware of the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors' eyes – a fresh, green breast of the new world.

The Guardian - Books

When PowerToGo is launched (it can be set to start upon the key's insertion or manually) it drops a small, movable toolbar on your desktop.

TechCrunch

The Romanovs didn't have the most auspicious start – upon being told he was to inherit the throne, the young Tsar Mikhail reputedly burst into tears and did his best to duck out of it.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

One expressed the view that it would be depressing to have to start from scratch upon resuming training after pregnancy.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The problem was quickly solved temporarily by resetting the computers to Dec. 1, 2000, and the trains started upon ignition.

The New York Times

But without the transition that Africa has started upon, the continent's chances of achieving those good things would be even lower than they are.

The Economist

The next set of funding agreements is being started upon this autumn, which is always unnerving, and particularly in this climate.

Independent

It implies that the image processing task is more accurately started upon each incoming frame.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start upon", ensure the context is appropriate for a slightly more formal or literary tone. This phrase can be effective in historical narratives or when aiming for a deliberate stylistic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "start upon" in casual or informal contexts. It can sound stilted or unnatural where simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" would be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where a deliberate formality is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start upon" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the commencement or initiation of an action or process. As shown in Ludwig, it is often used to denote the point at which something begins.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

40%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start upon" is a grammatically sound but somewhat formal way to indicate the beginning of an action or process. While understandable, Ludwig suggests that it is less common in contemporary English compared to alternatives like "start on" or simply "begin". It appears most frequently in science and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone; while "start upon" can be effective, simpler alternatives often provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin upon

This alternative uses a synonym for "start", providing a slightly more formal tone.

commence upon

This alternative uses a more formal synonym for "start", suitable for official or academic contexts.

initiate upon

This alternative emphasizes the beginning or introduction of something.

embark on

This alternative implies a more involved or adventurous beginning.

launch into

This alternative suggests a vigorous or enthusiastic start.

kick off

This alternative offers a more informal way to describe the beginning.

get underway

This alternative focuses on the process of starting and progressing.

set about

This alternative implies a determined or purposeful start.

originate from

This alternative emphasizes the source or cause of the beginning.

stem from

This alternative focuses on the initial cause or reason.

FAQs

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

Use "start upon" to indicate the commencement of an action or event, often emphasizing a formal beginning. For instance, "The registration period will "start upon" conviction." However, be mindful that more common alternatives like "start on" might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "start upon"?

You can use alternatives like "begin upon", "commence upon", or "initiate upon". The choice depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "start upon" or "start on"?

"Start on" is generally more common and considered more natural in modern English. "Start upon" is grammatically correct but can sound more formal or old-fashioned. The better option depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "start upon" and "begin upon"?

The difference is subtle. "Begin upon" is slightly more formal than "start upon", but both are less common than alternatives like "start on" or simply "begin". Consider the context and your audience when choosing between them.