upon his passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon his passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone's death in a formal or respectful manner. Example: "Upon his passing, the community came together to honor his contributions and legacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The remainder of the gift came to MIT upon his passing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"By taking out a life insurance policy, a businessman who has most of his money invested in his own company will have the liquidity to leave money to charity upon his passing away," Mr. Stewart said.

The New York Times

Love, Bill White and Bryan Eure $6$FISHER--Richard FISHER--Richard FISHER--RichardFisher House Foundation, and the managers of the 35 Fisher Houses, express their sympathy to our good friend Kristen KeL.y Fisher and The family of Richard L. Fisher upon his passing.

The New York Times

Before he died in January, Blackstar seemed to be yet another of his slippery, enigmatic creations, so it felt a little disappointing to see its array of possible meanings reduced, upon his passing, to a deathbed address.

The Guardian - Music

In addition there is a small amount of print materials chiefly associated with his solo and group exhibits, and condolences sent upon his passing in 2013.

Duke University

There is also a small amount of printed materials chiefly associated with his solo and group exhibits, and condolences sent upon his passing in 2013.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Naturally, many in the entertainment industry who knew, played or were inspired by Mandela expressed appreciation and grief upon hearing of his passing.

Huffington Post

With Russell Wilson's production hampered by his limited options for the first six weeks, Harvin should inject life into the Seahawks' passing attack upon his return and is worth a significant waiver wire investment if he is available in your league.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon hearing of his passing on Monday morning, the one thing that immediately came to mind for me was the day in 2005 when he took a stand on the Senate floor against pseudo-historian David Barton.

Huffington Post

If thou dost, thou wilt not repent of it so long as thy life endures". When Xerxes had so spoken and had made good his promises to Pythius, he pressed forward upon his march; and passing Anaua, a Phrygian city, and a lake from which salt is gathered, he came to Colossae, a Phrygian city of great size, situated at a spot where the river Lycus plunges into a chasm and disappears.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At the crossroads, carrying baggage that was placed fairly or unfairly upon his back, McAdoo passed the litmus test by proving he was a team player.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon his passing" in formal writing or when aiming for a respectful and solemn tone, such as in obituaries, eulogies, or official announcements.

Common error

Avoid using "upon his passing" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "after he died" or "when he passed away" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon his passing" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the time or circumstance following someone's death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase frequently used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon his passing" is a grammatically sound and formally appropriate way to express "after his death". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and other formal settings where a respectful and somber tone is desired. While less frequent in casual conversation, understanding its nuance and context is essential for effective communication. When more simplicity is needed there are the alternatives "after his death" and "when he died".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after his death

This is a more direct and less formal way of saying the same thing.

following his demise

This alternative uses a more formal and somewhat euphemistic term for death.

subsequent to his death

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "after his death".

at the time of his death

This phrase focuses on the specific moment of death rather than the period after.

when he passed away

This uses a gentler, more euphemistic verb to describe death.

after he died

This is a simple and direct alternative suitable for informal contexts.

on the occasion of his death

This alternative is more ceremonial, typically used in official statements.

with his death

This option focuses on the impact or consequence of the death rather than the event itself.

his death marked

This phrase emphasizes the significance or impact that the death had.

the death of him

This alternative inverts the structure to highlight the person who died.

FAQs

What does "upon his passing" mean?

The phrase "upon his passing" is a formal way of saying "after his death" or "when he died". It's often used in obituaries, formal announcements, and other situations where a respectful and somber tone is appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "upon his passing"?

It's most appropriate in formal writing, such as obituaries, legal documents, or official statements. It can also be used in speeches or eulogies where a dignified tone is desired. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "upon his passing"?

Alternatives include "after his death", "following his demise", "when he died", or "at the time of his death". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "upon his passing" more formal than "after his death"?

Yes, "upon his passing" is generally considered more formal and somewhat euphemistic compared to "after his death". The latter is a more direct and neutral way of expressing the same idea.