Upon vs. After — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Upon" implies immediacy or a condition for action, often used in formal contexts, while "after" denotes a sequence or following in time, more broadly applied.
Difference Between Upon and After
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Upon" is used to convey a sense of immediacy or action triggered by a specific event or condition. It often carries a formal or literary tone, suggesting that one action is contingent on another. For example, "Upon hearing the news, she immediately called her friend." In contrast, "after" is used to indicate that one event follows another in time, without the immediate causal connection implied by "upon." It is more flexible and widely used in everyday language, as in "She called her friend after she heard the news."
In legal and formal documents, "upon" is frequently used to denote conditions or obligations that are triggered by specific events. This usage emphasizes the immediacy or dependency of one action on the occurrence of another. On the other hand, "after" is more neutral and simply denotes a sequence, making it less about immediacy and more about chronological order.
"Upon" can also convey a sense of physical interaction or contact, as in "The book was upon the table." This usage suggests a position or placement in relation to something else. Whereas "after" does not imply physical interaction but rather a temporal relationship, focusing solely on the sequence of events or actions.
In idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs, "upon" often forms part of set phrases with specific meanings, such as "once upon a time" or "upon reflection." These phrases carry nuances that "after" cannot replicate due to its focus on sequential timing rather than conditions or immediate actions. Conversely, "after" is used in expressions like "after all" or "day after day," which emphasize duration or continuation over time.
"Upon" and "after," while both indicating some form of sequence, differ significantly in their nuances and contexts of use. "Upon" often implies a condition or trigger for an action, carrying a more formal or literary tone. In contrast, "after" is straightforwardly used to indicate that one event follows another, without the implied immediacy or conditionality.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Implies immediacy or a condition, often with a formal tone.
Indicates a sequence or following in time, broadly applicable.
Context of Use
Formal, literary, legal documents.
Everyday language, chronological sequences.
Implied Relationship
Conditional or contingent upon another event.
Simply sequential, without implied causality.
Common Phrases
"Upon arrival," "upon reflection."
"After all," "day after day."
Examples
"Upon receiving the letter, she cried."
"She cried after reading the letter."
Compare with Definitions
Upon
At the moment of or immediately following.
Upon his arrival, he was greeted with applause.
After
In the time following an event.
She decided to take a walk after dinner.
Upon
Indicating physical contact or position.
The cat slept upon the warm windowsill.
After
Behind in place or position.
The book you need is after the dictionary on the shelf.
Upon
Used to indicate a condition or prerequisite.
The contract becomes effective upon signature.
After
Concerning or about.
She inquired after your health.
Upon
As soon as; immediately after.
Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears.
After
Later than; following in time.
After the meeting, they went for lunch.
Upon
Used in formal or literary contexts.
Upon reflection, she realized her mistake.
After
Subsequent to and because of.
After his careless mistake, he was more cautious.
Upon
On
The leaves are scattered upon the grass. He put the book upon the table. Upon hearing the news, we all cheered.
After
In the time following (an event or another period of time)
After a while he returned
He'd gone out with his secretary for an after-work drink
Shortly after their marriage they moved to Colorado
Upon
Physically above and in contact with.
Place the book upon the table.
After
Behind
She went out, shutting the door after her
Upon
Physically directly supported by.
The crew set sail upon the sea.
She balanced upon one foot.
After
In pursuit or quest of
Chasing after something you can't have
Upon
Being followed by another so as to form a series.
Hours upon hours, years upon years, mile upon mile of desert
After
Next to and following in order or importance
In their order of priorities health comes after housing
Upon
On.
After
In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)
They named her Pauline, after Barbara's mother
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
After
Later
He was sorry in after years
After
Nearer the stern of a ship
The after cabin
After
Behind in place or order
Z comes after Y in the alphabet.
After
Next to or lower than in order or importance.
After
In quest or pursuit of
Seek after fame.
Go after big money.
After
Concerning
Asked after you.
After
Subsequent in time to; at a later time than
Come after dinner.
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
After
Following continually
Year after year.
After
In the style of or in imitation of
Satires after Horace.
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
After
Past the hour of
Five minutes after three.
After
(Irish) Used with a present participle to indicate action that has just been completed
"Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago" (James Joyce).
After
Behind; in the rear.
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; following
In after years.
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
After
Following or subsequent to the time that
I saw them after I arrived.
After
Afternoon.
After
Afters Chiefly British Dessert.
After
Behind; later in time; following.
I left the room, and the dog bounded after.
They lived happily ever after.
I might come next month, or the month after.
After
Subsequently to; following in time; later than.
We had a few beers after the game.
The time is quarter after eight.
The Cold War began shortly after WWII.
After you with the salt/paper.
I told her to shut the door after her.
After
Behind.
He will leave a trail of destruction after him.
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
After
As a result of.
After your bad behaviour, you will be punished.
After
In spite of.
After all that has happened, he is still my friend.
I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
After
(dated) According to an author or text.
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
After
Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.
I went home after we had decided to call it a day.
After
(dated) Later; second (of two); next, following, subsequent
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
After
Hinder; nearer the rear.
After
Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
After
Below in rank; next to in order.
Codrus after Ph bus sings the best.
After
Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
After
Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
After
In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
Our eldest son was named George after his uncle.
After
According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.
After
According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
After
Located farther aft
After
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
After
Behind or in the rear;
And Jill came tumbling after
Common Curiosities
Is "upon" more formal than "after"?
Yes, "upon" is often perceived as more formal or literary compared to the more universally used "after."
What does "upon" signify in a sentence?
"Upon" implies an immediate action or condition triggered by an event, often with a formal tone.
How do "upon" and "after" relate to physical actions?
"Upon" can imply physical contact or immediate action, whereas "after" typically relates to the timing of events without implying physical contact.
Can "upon" and "after" be used interchangeably?
While they may be interchangeable in some contexts, they often carry different nuances, with "upon" suggesting immediacy and "after" indicating a simple sequence.
Are there phrases where "upon" cannot be replaced by "after"?
Yes, in set phrases like "once upon a time," "upon" is integral and cannot be replaced by "after."
How is "after" used differently from "upon"?
"After" indicates a sequence where one event follows another in time, without the immediate causality or conditionality implied by "upon."
Can "after" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "after" is suitable for formal writing, especially when indicating sequences or temporal relationships.
Does "after" have multiple meanings?
Yes, "after" can indicate temporal sequences, causality, concern, or position, making it versatile.
How does "after" function in a narrative?
"After" helps in narrating sequences, showing how events unfold over time.
Can "after" imply causality?
"After" can imply causality in some contexts but is primarily used to denote sequential timing.
Is "upon" used in everyday conversation?
"Upon" is less common in casual conversation and more often found in formal or literary contexts.
Can "upon" signify physical placement?
Yes, "upon" can indicate physical placement, as in something resting "upon" a surface.
What is the impact of choosing "upon" over "after" in writing?
Choosing "upon" can lend a more formal or immediate tone to the writing, whereas "after" is more neutral and versatile.
Are there idiomatic expressions that use "after"?
Yes, expressions like "after all" or "day after day" use "after" to emphasize duration or a series of events.
Is "upon" only used for immediate actions?
While "upon" often implies immediacy, it can also denote conditions or physical positions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lymphocyte vs. Lymphoblast
Next Comparison
Converse vs. ConversantAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
