What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upriver
Example
We paddled upriver to reach the waterfall. [upriver: adverb]
Example
The town is located upriver from here. [upriver: adjective]
upstream
Example
The fish are swimming upstream to spawn. [upstream: adverb]
Example
We hiked along the upstream side of the river. [upstream: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upstream is more commonly used than upriver in everyday language, especially in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upriver and upstream?
Both upriver and upstream are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
