upon which the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon which the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific subject or object that is being discussed or analyzed, often in a formal context. Example: "The report outlines the factors upon which the decision was based."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Upon which the man replied: "I am not scalper.

The New York Times

African djembe drums upon which the player sits replaced timpani.

The Guardian - Music

No. tested is the total number of students upon which the data are based.

The New York Times

Brody had helped write the United Nations Torture Convention upon which the Pinochet verdict hinged.

The Guardian

Mr. Khan responded: "There are many things upon which the prime minister and I will disagree.

The New York Times

Whatever happened to the principle of religious freedom upon which the United States was founded?

The New York Times

When he stooped the policeman pushed him into the gutter, upon which the artist interfered.

The New Yorker

This flawed science is the slender reed upon which the entire defense of thimerosal rests.

The New York Times

Each was operating on a plane upon which the other's behavior was incomprehensible.

The New York Times - Magazine

The only basis upon which the prosecutor can conduct her work is on the evidence.

The Guardian

There is one frontier upon which the Soviet Union is secure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon which the" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the foundational or conditional relationship between two elements. While grammatically correct, consider more concise alternatives like "on which the" for broader appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "upon which the" in informal contexts. It can sound stilted or pretentious in casual conversation or less formal writing. Choose simpler alternatives like "on which the" or rephrase the sentence for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon which the" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. Ludwig indicates that it is used to specify the foundation, condition, or basis for the subsequent clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon which the" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to establish a dependency or foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's most appropriate for formal contexts like academic writing, scientific reports, and news articles. Simpler alternatives such as "on which the" are often preferred for informal communication. The most frequent contexts where to find "upon which the" are News & Media and Scientific publication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on which the

More concise and commonly used alternative, maintains same meaning.

based on which the

Emphasizes the foundation or grounds for something.

on the basis of which the

Stresses that a decision or stance is logically derived.

whereon the

More archaic and formal, indicating a surface or basis.

by which the

Indicates the means or method by which something is done.

pursuant to which the

More legalistic, indicating something done in accordance with a rule or law.

according to which the

Specifies that something follows from or is guided by what is indicated.

by reason of which the

Highlights that the following element happens or exists as a direct effect or outcome.

consequent to which the

Emphasizes the sequence of events where the second part is a consequence.

following which the

Indicates temporal succession and dependence.

FAQs

What does "upon which the" mean?

The phrase "upon which the" indicates a foundation or basis for something. It's similar to saying "on which the" or "based on which the".

When should I use "upon which the"?

Use "upon which the" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the foundational or conditional relationship between two elements. It can add a touch of formality and precision to your writing.

What are some alternatives to "upon which the"?

You can use alternatives like "on which the", "based on which the", or "whereon the" depending on the context.

Is "upon which the" grammatically correct?

Yes, "upon which the" is grammatically correct. However, it's more formal than its alternatives and may not be suitable for all contexts.