Differences between act upon and come upon
Act upon means to take action based on something, while come upon means to unexpectedly find or discover something.
Meanings and Definitions: act upon vs come upon
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Act upon
- 1To take action because of something like information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip off.
- 2Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain proteins.
Come upon
- 1Find by chance.
I CAME UPON the book in a little second - hand bookshop in Dorset.
Usage Examples: act upon, come upon in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
act upon
Example
The manager decided to act upon the employee's suggestion.
Example
She acts upon the advice of her mentor.
come upon
Example
While walking in the forest, I came upon a hidden waterfall.
Example
She often comes upon interesting items at the flea market.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Act upon
To put a plan or decision into action.
Example
The company plans to implement new safety measures to prevent accidents in the workplace.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come upon
To find or learn something new or unknown.
Example
The scientist discovered a new species of fish in the deep sea during a research expedition.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “upon”
Differences in act upon vs come upon: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: act upon or come upon?
In daily conversation, people use come upon more often than act upon. This is because come upon can be used in a wider range of situations, such as finding a lost item or discovering a new hobby. Act upon is more specific and often used in professional or formal settings. So, while both phrases are used, come upon is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of act upon and come upon
Act upon is more formal than come upon. It is often used in professional or academic contexts where precision and clarity are important. Come upon is more informal and suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of act upon and come upon
The tone of act upon and come upon can differ based on context. Act upon often carries a sense of urgency or importance when referring to taking action, while come upon typically has a surprised or curious tone when referring to discovering something unexpected.
