Quick answer: “Upon” is the correct spelling in English; “apon” is incorrect and should not be used.
Many people hesitate when writing upon or apon. The two words look very similar, and when spoken quickly, they may sound almost the same. This leads to confusion, especially for students, ESL learners, bloggers, and writers who want their English to sound correct and professional.
People usually search for upon or apon when they see “apon” written somewhere or accidentally type it themselves. Since English has words like about, around, and above, some assume apon might be a valid variation. It is not.
This article clearly explains the difference between upon and apon in simple English. You’ll learn meanings, origins, correct usage, common mistakes, examples from real life, comparison tables, FAQs, and easy rules to help you remember the correct spelling every time.
Upon or Apon – Quick Answer
- Upon → ✅ Correct spelling
- Apon → ❌ Incorrect spelling
Example:
- He sat upon the chair.
- ❌ He sat apon the chair.
Meaning of Upon
Upon is a preposition.
It means:
- On
- On top of
- Immediately after
- As a result of
Examples:
- The cat jumped upon the table.
- Upon arrival, please call me.
- He acted upon the advice.
Meaning of Apon
Apon has no meaning in standard English.
It is:
- Not a real English word
- Not found in dictionaries
- A common spelling mistake
If you see apon, it is almost always an error.
Origin of the Word Upon
The word upon comes from:
- Old English uppon
- Formed from up + on
Over time, uppon became upon, and the spelling has stayed the same for centuries.
There has never been a standard English word spelled apon.
Why People Confuse Upon and Apon
The confusion happens because:
- English pronunciation is flexible
- “Upon” may sound like “uh-pon”
- Typing errors happen quickly
Some learners assume apon follows patterns like:
- About
- Across
- Above
But apon does not belong to this group.
British English vs American English
There is no difference between British and American English here.
| English Type | Correct Spelling |
| British English | Upon |
| American English | Upon |
| Australian English | Upon |
| Canadian English | Upon |
Apon is incorrect everywhere.
Upon vs Apon: Comparison Table
| Feature | Upon | Apon |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary word | Yes | No |
| Used in formal writing | Yes | No |
| Used in informal writing | Yes | No |
| Accepted in English | Yes | No |
How “Upon” Is Used in Sentences
1. Meaning “On Top Of”
Examples:
- The book is upon the shelf.
- Snow fell upon the road.
2. Meaning “Immediately After”
Examples:
- Upon hearing the news, she cried.
- Upon completion, submit the form.
3. Meaning “Based On”
Examples:
- The decision was made upon facts.
- He acted upon good advice.
4. Meaning “At the Moment Of”
Examples:
- Upon entering the room, he smiled.
- Upon waking up, I felt tired.
Upon in Everyday Examples
In Emails
- Upon review, we approved your request.
- Please reply upon receiving this email.
In News
- The law takes effect upon signing.
- Help arrived upon request.
On Social Media
- Success comes upon hard work.
- Calm returns upon reflection.
In Formal Writing
- Payment is due upon delivery.
- The contract ends upon completion.
Common Mistakes with Upon or Apon
Mistake 1: Using “apon” instead of “upon”
❌ The rules depend apon results
✅ The rules depend upon results
Mistake 2: Assuming “apon” is old English
❌ Apon is archaic
✅ Upon is the correct historical form
Mistake 3: Using “apon” in formal writing
❌ Action will be taken apon approval
✅ Action will be taken upon approval
Upon vs On: Are They the Same?
Not always.
- On is more common and simple
- Upon sounds more formal or literary
Examples:
- The book is on the table.
- The book is upon the table.
Both are correct, but upon often feels more formal.
When to Use “Upon” Instead of “On”
Use upon when:
- Writing formally
- Describing cause and effect
- Writing legal or academic text
Examples:
- The policy activates upon approval.
- Rights are granted upon completion.
Upon in Fixed Phrases
Some phrases always use upon:
- Once upon a time
- Upon request
- Upon arrival
- Upon reflection
- Upon completion
These phrases never use “apon.”
Upon in Literature and Formal Style
Writers often choose upon to sound:
- Formal
- Serious
- Literary
Example:
- Once upon a time, there lived a king.
This famous phrase proves how deeply rooted upon is in English.
Is Apon Ever Acceptable?
No.
- Not in modern English
- Not in old English
- Not in regional English
If you see apon, it is a typo or spelling error.
Google Search Behavior
Search data shows:
- “Upon” is searched millions of times
- “Apon” searches mostly come from spelling confusion
- Grammar-related searches correct “apon” to “upon”
Search engines treat apon as a misspelling.
Upon in SEO and Writing
For clear and professional writing:
- Always use upon
- Never use apon
- Correct spelling improves trust and readability
Using incorrect words hurts credibility.
Pronunciation Guide
Upon is pronounced:
- uh-PON
The pronunciation does not justify changing the spelling.
Memory Trick to Remember the Correct Spelling
Think:
- Up + on = upon
There is no word:
- a + pon
This simple rule makes it easy to remember.
Can “Upon” Be Replaced?
Yes, sometimes.
Possible replacements:
- On
- After
- When
- Following
But apon is never a replacement.
FAQs: Upon or Apon
1. Is “apon” ever correct?
No, it is always incorrect.
2. Is “upon” formal?
It can be formal, but it’s also common.
3. Is “upon” used in American English?
Yes, fully accepted.
4. Can I say “upon arrival”?
Yes, that is correct.
5. Is “upon” old-fashioned?
No, it is still widely used.
6. Is “apon” a typo?
Yes, almost always.
7. Can I use “on” instead of “upon”?
Yes, in many cases.
Upon in Global English
Across the world, English speakers use upon in:
- Business
- Law
- Education
- Literature
There is no version of standard English where apon is accepted.
Final Verdict
The difference between upon and apon is very simple. Upon is the correct and accepted English word. Apon is not a real English word and should never be used in formal or informal writing.
If you want clear, correct, and professional English, always choose upon. Remember the simple rule: up + on = upon. Following this will help you avoid a common spelling mistake and improve your writing instantly.
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I’m Emily K. Dawson, and I write about commonly confused English words and spelling mistakes. My goal is to make English easier for learners by explaining grammar in a simple, practical way.
