Upon and apon are both prepositions used in comparable contexts, although they are artifacts of distinct linguistic eras. The most notable distinction between the two prepositions is that ‘apon’ is the Middle English spelling of ‘upon.’
“Upon” is a common preposition used to indicate direction or the relationship between two entities. Additionally, apon is a preposition in the English language.
However, ‘apon’ is used less commonly in contemporary speech.
Upon
Upon functions as a preposition. It is used to indicate the pronoun or noun’s relationship to other words in the phrase. The preposition “upon” has multiple applications.
‘Upon’ is significantly more formal than ‘on’, yet it can be used to convey the same ideas as ‘on’. ‘Upon’ originated as a complicated preposition, most likely patterned by a comparable Old Norse formation.
It is a contraction of “up” and “on.” It is a parallel formation to the Scandinavian preposition (Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian).
Examples of ‘Upon’ usage in sentences
- He stooped and picked up a bird’s nest that had fallen upon the ground.
- We will look upon you as enemies.
- Then he jointed together the blades of his sword and balanced it very skillfully upon the end of his nose.
- Pierre jumped upon the window sill.
- Once upon a time—”The leader of the Council does not discuss these things!”
- His method upon arrival at home had remained the same.
- I decided to talk to you this weekend, but I guess Mary found the form and took it upon herself to mail it to you.
- It hangs there, waiting for me to step upon this velvet chair where I sit, tie its far descending end to my neck, and step from this world, freeing it from the guilt and troubles Annie Quincy has caused.
- Trembling and panting, the old man fell into that state of fury in which he sometimes used to roll on the ground, and he fell upon Eykhen, threatening him with his hands, shouting and loading him with gross abuse.
- Slowly, he took the shining star from his own brow and placed it upon that of the princess.
Apon
“Apon” is a specific word or preposition that is no longer used in contemporary English. This preposition was frequently used in Middle English. It was the true spelling of “upon” at the time.
Over time, spellings evolved. People began adopting and adjusting to the altered spellings. “Apon” was fully discontinued and was or is occasionally used in poetry.
Examples
Full derly to hym that ye pray
To hym that was don apon a tre
To safe yowr sallis on dowymysday
Qwen all salles savyd mon be.”
Why are there two different spellings of “upon”?
In certain lines, “upon” is spelled with a “u,” and in others, it is spelled with a “o.” This is because the preposition “upon” might have two distinct meanings. It is a combination of two Middle English terms. The first contains a “u,” while the second contains a “o.”
When discussing the meaning and origin of a term, we are referring to its origin. For instance, the word “dog” comes from the Old English word “docga.” Therefore, when we discuss the origin of a term, we are talking to where it arose from and how it evolved over time.
The word “upon” is exceptional in that it has two variant spellings, each of which has a distinct origin. “upon” and “upan” are derived from the Old English “uppon” and “upan” Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word “upon” have changed. However, this has not altered the word’s meaning.
Is it acceptable to use “apon” and “upon” in the same sentence?
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether these two words can be used together in the same phrase. Yes is the appropriate response.
Both of these terms can be used in the same phrase. However, it is not uncommon to use only one of these terms and not both.
The following sentences include both “upon” and “apon.”
1. Ken left his home upon a horse, and he rode apon it to the forest.
2. Upon his arrival, Dan went apon the stage and gave a speech.
3. Flag placed the pie upon the table and sat apon it.
4. Ashian sat upon the throne and ruled apon her kingdom.
5. Babra stood upon the table and spoke apon the matter.
What is the difference between “upon” and “apon”?
1. ‘upon’ is synonymous with ‘on’
2. ‘Apon’ and ‘upon’ are the same word; both are prepositions used to indicate the relationship between a pronoun or noun and other words in a sentence.
3 .’Apon’ was used in Middle English, whereas ‘upon’ is used nowadays.
4. These prepositions are from various eras of the English language.
