upon a star

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon a star" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to wishes, dreams, or aspirations, often evoking a sense of hope or longing. Example: "When I was a child, I would often make a wish upon a star before going to bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Film

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Absent more specifics, the statement requires a certain amount of wishing upon a star.

The New York Times

"#jonathanfranzenhates when you wish upon a star.

The New York Times - Books

For the finale, "When You Wish Upon a Star," the dancers held shiny paper stars.

The New York Times

The speakers in center field played "When You Wish Upon a Star" before the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Disney empire sugars the nostalgia pill with the lush, cascading arrangements of When You Wish Upon a Star.

The Guardian - Music

Even a tune as familiar as 'When You Wish Upon a Star' becomes filled with mysterious possibilities.

The Guardian - Music

"I think maybe you have to have some chance of identifying with fairytales in order to wish upon a star.

The Guardian - Film

Wilson also revealed that When You Wish Upon a Star, from Pinocchio, inspired one of his best-known tracks.

The Guardian - Music

Her version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" closely follows Linda Ronstadt's, but lacks Ms. Ronstadt's honeyed tone.

The New York Times - Arts

Ted – a cuddly toy bear brought to life after a wish upon a star – is a miracle turned sour.

The Guardian - Film

Yes, it's manufactured, but your feelings, your reactions, that tear escaping down your cheek as 'When You Wish upon a Star' soars – those are real".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon a star" to evoke a sense of childhood wonder, nostalgia, or a longing for dreams to come true. It's particularly effective in creative writing, storytelling, or when discussing themes of hope and inspiration.

Common error

Avoid using "upon a star" in formal writing, such as business reports or academic papers. The phrase is generally considered too informal and sentimental for such contexts. Instead, opt for more direct and professional language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon a star" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, indicating the direction or object of a wish or hope. As shown by Ludwig, it typically appears in contexts where someone is expressing a desire for something positive to happen.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Music

20%

Film

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upon a star" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to express the act of wishing or hoping, often in a sentimental or nostalgic context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability, particularly in creative writing and storytelling. While "wish on a star" is a more common alternative, "upon a star" carries a slightly more formal or literary tone. Its use is less appropriate in formal business or academic settings. The phrase evokes themes of childhood wonder, dreams, and inspiration, and is heavily influenced by the Disney song "When You Wish "Upon a Star"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish on a star

Replaces "upon" with the more common preposition "on", resulting in a more conversational tone.

make a wish on a star

Adds the action "make a wish" to the phrase, emphasizing the act of wishing.

dream of a better future

Shifts the focus from a specific wish to a more general aspiration for the future.

hope for a miracle

Introduces the concept of a miracle, suggesting a desire for something extraordinary to happen.

set your sights high

Changes the metaphor from wishing to aiming for ambitious goals.

aspire to greatness

Focuses on the pursuit of excellence and achievement.

yearn for something more

Expresses a deep longing for a better or more fulfilling life.

long for a brighter tomorrow

Emphasizes the desire for a positive change in the future.

have faith in your dreams

Highlights the importance of believing in one's aspirations.

keep your hopes alive

Encourages perseverance and optimism in the face of challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "upon a star" to describe the act of wishing or hoping for something, often in a whimsical or nostalgic way. For example: "She made a wish "upon a star", hoping her dreams would come true."

What is the origin of the phrase "upon a star"?

The phrase is closely associated with the Disney song "When You Wish "Upon a Star"" from the movie Pinocchio, which popularized the idea of wishing on stars.

Which is more common: "wish on a star" or "wish upon a star"?

"Wish on a star" is generally more common in everyday conversation. "Wish "upon a star"" carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Are there any differences between wishing "on a star" and wishing "upon a star"?

The difference is subtle. "On a star" is more colloquial and direct, while ""upon a star"" can sound slightly more poetic or old-fashioned, though they are largely interchangeable.