upon reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon reading" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action taken after reading something. It implies that the action was prompted by the act of reading. Example: Upon reading the book, she realized the true meaning behind the author's words. In this sentence, the action of realizing something was prompted by reading the book. Without the book, the realization may not have occurred.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Potential responses upon reading this headline: Outrageous!

The New Yorker

Upon reading it, I had only one doubt.

The New York Times - Books

I imagine some fans of American football felt their hackles rise upon reading that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Upon reading the title of this post I suspect your reaction is, "Really?

Harvard Business Review

My first response upon reading of the massacre in Christchurch was, I admit, stunned blankness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Upon reading Effie's letter, Rose immediately broke off her engagement to Ruskin.

The New York Times - Books

And he reserves the right to change his quotes upon reading them.

The Guardian - Arts

Upon reading that title, I hear his voice in an unshakably Pavlovian association.

The New Yorker

I was sent a typewritten outline and felt, upon reading it, disappointment.

The New Yorker

It is moot whether the retailer, upon reading this, will send me a bottle to sample.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was not a little amazed upon reading "A School of Literature That's Called New Jersey".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon reading" to clearly indicate that an action or thought is a direct result of having read something. This adds a sense of immediacy and connection between the reading and the consequence.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "upon reading" can sound overly formal in casual writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "after reading" or "when I read" in informal contexts for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon reading" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that describes an action or realization occurring immediately after and as a direct result of reading something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon reading" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Functioning as a prepositional phrase, it clearly connects the act of reading with an immediate subsequent action or realization. While versatile, it leans toward neutrality and formality, making it well-suited for news, academic, and professional contexts, but less so for casual conversation. Consider the alternatives provided, such as "after reading" or "on reading", to fine-tune your writing's tone and emphasis. By understanding the nuances of "upon reading", you can ensure its appropriate and impactful use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after having read

More explicit about the completion of the reading action.

on reading

Slightly more formal and concise.

after reading

Simpler and more direct alternative.

once I read

Emphasizes the point in time when the action occurs after reading.

having perused

Implies a more careful and thorough reading.

subsequent to reading

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

as I read

Focuses on the action happening during the reading process.

following my reading

Highlights the personal aspect and the sequence of events.

reading which led to

Highlights the causal relationship between reading and the subsequent action.

from reading

Focuses on the origin of the subsequent action.

FAQs

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

Use "upon reading" to indicate that an action or realization occurred directly after reading something. For example, "Upon reading the letter, she burst into tears" shows the immediate emotional response to the letter's content.

What can I say instead of "upon reading"?

You can use alternatives like "after reading", "on reading", or "having read" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it more correct to say "after reading" or "upon reading"?

"Upon reading" is generally more formal than "after reading". Both are grammatically correct, but "after reading" is more common in everyday language.

What's the nuance between "on reading" and "upon reading"?

Both "on reading" and "upon reading" suggest immediacy, but "upon reading" can sometimes imply a slightly stronger sense of direct causation or consequence following the act of reading, it's a bit more emphatic.