upon the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon the idea" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that has been suggested and upon which you will take further action. For example: "I have decided to act upon the idea of holding a street carnival this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I struck upon the idea of a different package.

The New Yorker

He hit upon the idea of endnotes to shorten it.

The New Yorker

That's when he hit upon the idea for his business.

The New York Times - Tech

How does he come upon the idea of Satyagraha?

The New York Times

The proposed approach is predicated upon the idea of integrating supervisory and feedback control over networks.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

So I hit upon the idea that men like this would wear striped blazers.

The Guardian

After many meetings, we hit upon the idea of writing it as a comic opera.

The New York Times

"We hit upon the idea of writing it as a comic opera.

The Guardian

Then it begins to smell so they hit upon the idea of dynamiting it.

The New Yorker

Shatner hit upon the idea in the weeks following his wife's death.

The Guardian - Film

Denver Coach Mike Shanahan stumbled upon the idea of extra work.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon the idea" to formally introduce the basis or foundation of an argument, plan, or system. It adds a level of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "upon the idea" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "based on the idea" or "from the idea" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon the idea" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the foundation, basis, or reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon the idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates something is based on a specific concept. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across numerous contexts. While generally considered formal, its presence in news articles and scientific papers gives it a somewhat neutral register. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "based on the idea". Remember, "upon the idea" is excellent for establishing a conceptual foundation, adding clarity and a touch of sophistication to your writing. Common sources include authoritative names such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Understanding these nuances can elevate the precision and impact of your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept", offering a slightly more formal tone.

founded on the notion

Substitutes "upon" with "founded on" and "idea" with "notion", giving a more emphatic and slightly elevated style.

predicated on the principle

Uses "predicated on" to indicate a necessary foundation, and replaces "idea" with "principle" emphasizing a fundamental belief.

grounded in the belief

Emphasizes the origin and support provided by a "belief", rather than a general idea.

hinges on the thought

Implies dependence and importance, replacing "idea" with "thought" for a more personal feel.

rests on the assumption

Highlights that the idea is an unproven belief, altering the sense slightly to emphasize potential uncertainty.

centered around the vision

Shifts the focus to a "vision", suggesting a broader and more aspirational concept.

built upon the theory

Indicates a more structured and tested framework, replacing "idea" with "theory".

stems from the understanding

Focuses on the origin of the concept as an "understanding", suggesting a process of comprehension.

derives from the inspiration

Indicates that the concept comes from "inspiration", focusing on the creative impulse.

FAQs

How can I use "upon the idea" in a sentence?

Use "upon the idea" to indicate that something is based on a particular concept or thought. For example, "The project is based "upon the idea" of sustainable development".

What are some alternatives to "upon the idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "based on the concept", "founded on the notion", or "predicated on the principle", depending on the context.

Is "upon the idea" formal or informal?

"Upon the idea" is generally considered a more formal expression. In less formal contexts, phrases like "based on the idea" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "based on the idea" and "upon the idea"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""upon the idea"" carries a slightly more formal and emphatic tone than "based on the idea". The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.