stood upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stood upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is physically positioned on top of a surface or metaphorically to indicate a stance or belief. Example: "He stood upon the hill, surveying the vast landscape before him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many stood upon the seats, others stood upon stools placed on the seats.

The New York Times

Two men in horse-riding clothes stood upon a plain.

The New Yorker

These chupacabras were smaller and stood upon four feet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Was it that under other commanders they stood upon the defensive?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We stood upon one mass gravesite and witnessed the creation of another.

The New York Times

"I stood upon the battlefield once more — and the feeling was glorious," Capt.

The Washington Post

Tall and sheer and ominous they stood upon either side of the stream.

The Guardian - Books

The village stood upon a high, precipitous bluff, and upon this bluff the 'works' were constructed," described Willis.

The New York Times

This is why Dickens jokes the bird Scrooge bought for the Cratchits "never could have stood upon his legs".

The Guardian - Books

Would Bach have been able to reach so high if he had not stood upon an edifice of extant music?

The New Yorker

Murph climbed to the summit and, on the top chair, stood upon his head, refusing to come down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stood upon" to add a slightly more formal or literary tone when describing physical placement or reliance on something. Consider the context to determine if the simpler "stood on" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "stood upon" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. In those contexts, "stood on" is generally preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood upon" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating physical placement or metaphorical reliance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples demonstrate both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Science

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stood upon" is a versatile phrase with both literal and figurative applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. While the simpler "stood on" is often preferred in casual settings, "stood upon" adds a touch of formality or literary flair. When writing, consider the tone and audience to determine the most appropriate choice. Be aware that while correct, the phrasing is considered less common in everyday conversation and should be used sparingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood on

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, implying physical placement on a surface.

was positioned on

Emphasizes the placement or arrangement of something on a surface.

rested upon

Suggests support or dependence on something.

relied upon

Indicates dependence on something for support or assistance.

based on

Implies that something is founded or established on a particular idea or principle.

grounded in

Highlights the fundamental principles or beliefs that support something.

adhered to

Focuses on strict compliance or loyalty to a principle or belief.

observed

Implies following and obeying a rule or custom.

asserted

Implies making a strong statement about their rights.

maintained

Implies to continue to have or follow a certain opinion or stance.

FAQs

What does "stood upon" mean?

The phrase "stood upon" means to be physically located on top of something or to rely on something for support or justification.

When should I use "stood upon" instead of "stood on"?

While both are grammatically correct, "stood upon" is often used in more formal or literary contexts, while "stood on" is more common in everyday speech.

Can I use "stood upon" metaphorically?

Yes, "stood upon" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is based on or relies on a particular foundation, principle, or belief. For example, you can say that someone's argument is based "based on" a certain premise.

What are some alternatives to "stood upon" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "rested upon", "relied upon", or "was positioned on".