upon a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon a list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is based on or related to a list, often in formal or literary contexts. Example: "The committee made their decisions upon a list of criteria that had been established earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

While looking over Bachmann's State Senate campaign Web site, I stumbled upon a list of book recommendations.

The New Yorker

Wish Upon a List There are more than 13 million wish lists, or personal gift registries, at www.amazon.com.

The New York Times - Tech

The Guardian has drawn upon a list of 35 jurisdictions identified for their secrecy and low tax compiled for the US Congress in 2009.

The Guardian - Business

The year before last it was brilliant flame- and ember-coloured tulips; this year I want to acquaint myself with a few of the smaller-flowered narcissus so that I can draw upon a list to add to flowering meadows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New Yorker, October 31 , 1942P. 11 A young second lieutenant was mousing around the officers Club in the Commodore, and came upon a list of theatres, night clubs, and restaurants that offer discounts to men in uniform.

The New Yorker

A young second lieutenant was mousing around the officers Club in the Commodore, and came upon a list of theatres, night clubs, and restaurants that offer discounts to men in uniform.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Then, last spring, Ms. Bourne came upon a listing for a large duplex in a co-op in Morningside Heights.

The New York Times

The site stumbled upon a listing for a Samsung product with the model number SGH-T879.

TechCrunch

A year or so ago a Key West gentleman with a keen eye and a penchant for real estate came upon a listing.

Huffington Post

One would never guess, upon viewing a list of his achievements, that Juan Antonio Añel is just 30 years old and still in a training phase.

Science Magazine

Upon entry, a list of matching HPO terms is displayed.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "upon a list" to lend a slightly more formal or literary tone to your writing. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall style of the piece.

Common error

Avoid using "upon a list" in contexts where it feels overly formal or pretentious. In casual or informal writing, simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon a list" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating the basis or source of an action or decision. It's often interchangeable with phrases like "based on a list", as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon a list" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase that signifies something being based on or influenced by a list. As Ludwig indicates, it functions to provide a rationale for an action or decision. While correct, it carries a somewhat formal tone and may often be replaced by simpler alternatives like "based on a list" for enhanced clarity. Although considered uncommon, its presence across diverse sources, particularly in news, science, and business contexts, underscores its consistent, appropriate usage. Therefore, employ it mindfully, aligning with your intended audience and the overall stylistic goals of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on a list

Emphasizes the foundation or origin of something being a list.

according to a list

Highlights adherence or compliance with a list's contents.

drawing from a list

Suggests selecting or extracting items or information from a list.

relying on a list

Indicates dependence on a list for guidance or information.

using a list as a guide

Specifies that the list serves as a navigational tool or reference.

following a list

Focuses on the act of adhering to the sequence or instructions within a list.

referencing a list

Implies consulting a list for specific details or verification.

with reference to a list

A more formal way of indicating a connection or relationship to a list.

in accordance with a list

Highlights conformity to the stipulations or conditions outlined in a list.

as per a list

A concise way to state that something is done according to the details of a list.

FAQs

What does "upon a list" mean?

The phrase "upon a list" generally means based on a list or according to a list. It implies that something is determined or influenced by the information contained in a list.

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

You can use "upon a list" to indicate that a decision, action, or conclusion is derived from a list. For example, "The selections were made "based on a list" of qualifications" or "The strategy was developed "according to a list" of priorities".

What are some alternatives to "upon a list"?

Alternatives to "upon a list" include "based on a list", "according to a list", "drawing from a list", or "relying on a list". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "based on a list" or "upon a list"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "based on a list" is generally more common and straightforward. "Upon a list" can sound more formal or literary. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and style of your writing. In most cases, "based on a list" is perfectly acceptable and often preferred for its simplicity.