written upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is inscribed or recorded on a surface or medium. Example: "The ancient text was beautifully written upon the stone tablet, preserving the history of the civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

("If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old").

The New York Times - Books

Everyone in "The American Plan" has been written upon, densely and in indelible ink.

The New York Times

An example in the show is an unpublished poem by Rupert Brooke, titled "Lines written upon seeing two flies".

The New York Times - Books

Of all the words written upon the death of Ronald Reagan, none have recurred more frequently than "optimist".

The New York Times

For all its disruptiveness, Nathalie's situation provides an opportunity to change the record, the future waiting to be written upon the endlessly expressive face of Isabelle Huppert.

The Guardian - Film

George Eliot's Middlemarch is probably the greatest English novel to be written upon such a principle, imagining every character to have his or her human reasons and fears.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

KOREA IS A "difficult country to write upon", discovered Isabella Bird Bishop, a British travel writer*, after four visits to the country in the 1890s.

The Economist

"She wrote upon it: Return to sender, address unknown".

The New York Times

They write upon our faces  Until the pen strikes bone.

The New Yorker

The term is derived from the Classical Greek epigraphein ("to write upon, incise") and epigraphē ("inscription").

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Beloved mother!" she wrote, upon the occasion of Pamela's suicide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "written upon" to create a sense of formality or historical context, especially when referring to inscriptions or records.

Common error

Avoid using "written upon" in casual conversation or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "written on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "written upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been inscribed or recorded on a surface. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts, from literature to historical records.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "written upon" is a grammatically sound and relatively common verb phrase that functions to indicate inscription or recording, often with a sense of formality or historical context. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While considered correct, it may be more appropriate to use more common alternatives like "written on" in informal contexts. The analysis has been based on examples and assessment of thousands of sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inscribed on

Focuses specifically on the act of carving or engraving text onto a surface.

recorded on

Emphasizes the act of capturing information on a medium.

documented in

Highlights the formal recording of information.

marked on

Implies a less formal or permanent inscription.

imprinted on

Suggests a deeper or more lasting effect.

etched in

Conveys a sense of permanence and deep impression.

engraved on

Similar to inscribed, but with a focus on detailed carving.

expressed in

Shifts the focus to the medium through which something is communicated.

detailed in

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the recording.

described in

Focuses on the act of providing an account or explanation.

FAQs

How to use "written upon" in a sentence?

Use "written upon" when you want to indicate that something has been inscribed or recorded onto a surface. For example: "The poem was beautifully "written upon" the ancient scroll".

What's the difference between "written on" and "written upon"?

"Written upon" is generally more formal and can suggest a sense of importance or historical significance compared to the more common and neutral phrase "written on".

What can I say instead of "written upon"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inscribed on", "recorded on", or "documented in".

Is "written upon" grammatically correct?

Yes, "written upon" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly in formal or literary contexts. Ludwig confirms that it follows standard English grammar rules.