What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upon
Example
The cat was sitting upon the roof. [upon: preposition]
Example
Upon finishing his meal, he left the restaurant. [upon: conjunction]
Example
Upon reflection, I realized my mistake. [upon: preposition]
above
Example
The bird was flying above the clouds. [above: preposition]
Example
The rules apply to all employees above a certain rank. [above: adjective]
Example
As mentioned above, the report highlights the need for more funding. [above: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Above is more commonly used than upon in everyday language, as it has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts. Upon is less common and more formal, often used in academic or literary writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upon and above?
Upon is typically associated with a more formal tone, while above is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
