Are the words ‘apon’ and ‘upon’ two different words? If they are different, what are the differences between both words? In what ways can they be used in a sentence?
If you have questions like this, you will get your answer in this article.
Before I explain the differences between both apon and upon, it would be a good idea to first give detailed explanations about both words in consideration.
Upon
The word ‘upon’ is a preposition. Prepositions are used to describe the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another noun or pronoun.
Examples of prepositions are between, beneath (which can be said to be the opposite of upon), under, on (a synonym of upon but a less specific version of the word) and in.
Upon is a more formal and specific version of ‘on’ especially when it is used abstractly.
Obviously, upon is a combination of two words; ‘up’ and ‘on’. These words are also prepositions and are not only the foundation of the word ‘upon’, they are the components of the word.
The two words ‘upon’ and ‘on’ can be used interchangeably in many instances. As much as these words can be used interchangeably is as much as they can also differ, especially with time.
Here are some examples of sentences where ‘upon’ is used:
- The new planting season is upon us.
- Upon the arrival of the uniformed men, the three thieves took to their heels.
- The richest man in the town built his house upon a hill.
- Once upon a time existed the great city of Atlantis.
- In an attempt to make sure we didn’t see what he was holding, he turned his back upon us.
- The tall Nigerian climbed upon the platform fearlessly.
- Upon his arrival in town, Joshua decided to find a good spot where he could relax.
- The crowned prince is someone the kingdom could depend upon to fight for it’s freedom.
- The opposition team was upon them, they just had to handle the pressure.
- You are to provide the necessary documents upon request at the airport.
- After settling its dispute with the government, the union agreed upon a resumption date.
- The principal frowned upon the inability of the students to answer his questions.
- The little girl climbed upon her new bicycle.
- All he needed was a friend he could depend upon but every of his friends disappointed him.
Apon
If you are new to the word ‘apon’, it is also a preposition and has the same meaning as ‘upon’. ‘Apon’ does not sound pleasant to the ear, especially as it can’t be seen used in oral or written statements or conversations.
As much as the word ‘apon’ is not being used in the present time is as much as it used to be used in the past. In fact, the way ‘upon’ is being used in today’s English language is the way ‘apon’ was used in the middle English ages.
Like every other thing in life, the English language has experienced a lot of changes. These changes including pronunciation, spelling, addition, and removal of words.
In the middle English ages, today’s words that start with the prefix ‘u-‘ were instead started with the prefix ‘a-‘.
An example of old English use of the word ‘apon’:
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.”
As English language changed, how words were written and pronounced also changed too. Some words also stopped being used or referred to as English words. ‘Apon’ is an example of these words.
As ‘apon’ was being replaced with ‘upon’, the word became used less frequently. Soon enough, English speakers because used to ‘upon’ instead of ‘apon’. Slowly, the word ‘apon’ faded out.
So is ‘apon’ a correct word? The answer simply is that it was correct during the English era but since we are in the modern English era, it’s advisable to use ‘ upon’ instead of ‘apon’.
Differences Between Apon And Upon
| Apon | Upon |
| Apon has the same meaning with upon but it was a valid word in the middle English era. | Upon can be said to be the modernized version of apon and it is currently being used in the modern English era. |
| Apon is based on the old model of spelling. In the oldmodel of spelling, ‘a-‘prefixes were used. | Upon follows the modern model of spelling where ‘c-‘ prefixes replaced ‘a-‘prefixes. |
| Apon does not reflect the fact that the word really means ‘up and on’ | Upon clearly shows that the word means ‘up and on’. |
That’s all on the differences between apon and upon.
How to Keep the Difference in Mind
Consider the term “upon” if you’re having trouble remembering the distinction between these two prepositions. Any statement will typically make sense if you attach the word “upon” at the end. For instance, instead of saying “I love to read,” you could say “I happily read upon the seaside.” This is because the sentence appears to end with the preposition “upon.”
Why does the word “upon” have two different spellings?
In certain sentences, the word “upon” is spelt with a “u,” but in others, it is spelt with a “o.” This is attributable to the fact that the preposition “upon” has two meanings. It is derived from two Middle English words. The first is written with a “u,” whereas the second is written with a “o.”
When we discuss about meaning of a word and its origin, we’re referring to where it comes from. For example, the term “dog” is derived from the Old English term “docga.” As a result, when we speak about a word’s origin, we’re referring as to where it emerged from and how it evolved over time.
The word “upon” is a unique example because it has two alternative spellings, each with a different origin. The words “upon” and “upan” are derived from the Old English words “uppon” and “upan.” The pronunciation and spelling of the word “upon” have evolved over the years. However, this has not alterned the meaning of the word.
How to Always Identify the Difference
The word “upon” can help you identify the differences between the two words.
Every sentence will typically make sense if you add the word “upon” to the end. For instance, instead of saying “I love to read,” you may add “I enjoy reading upon the seaside.”
Why? It sounds like “upon” should be in the final position of the sentence.
Is it possible to use the words “apon” and “upon” in the same sentence?
One of the most frequently asked questions would be whether both of these words can be used in the same sentence. The correct answer is “yes”.
Both of these words can be used in a sentence together. However, it’s not uncommon to use one or the other, not both.
Here are a few examples of sentences with both “upon” and “apon” in them:
1. He left his home upon a horse and he rode apon it to the forest.
2. Upon his arrival, he went apon the stage and gave a speech.
3. I placed the pie upon the table and sat apon it.
4. She sat upon the throne and ruled apon her kingdom.
5. He stood upon the table and spoke apon the matter.