Phrasal verbs with "upon"

A formal variant of 'act on': to take action based on information, advice, or a recommendation.

An archaic or rare variant of 'allot to', meaning to assign or distribute a portion of something to a person or group.

To use something as the foundation or grounds for something else (formal variant of 'base on').

To be relevant to something; to exert pressure or influence on a person or situation. (Formal variant of 'bear on')

To start or commence working on something; a formal or archaic way of saying 'begin on'.

To direct a stream of air onto something, or (figuratively) to tarnish or damage a reputation.

to breathe gently on something; sometimes used figuratively in literary English

To cause something, usually something negative, to happen to oneself or another person through one's own actions.

To use something as a foundation for further development or improvement (more formal variant of 'build on').

To formally ask or request someone to do something, or to appeal to something for support.

To find or encounter something or someone entirely by accident.

To find or encounter something or someone by chance, or to overtake someone suddenly.

To behave in a patronising or superior manner toward someone, treating them as inferior.

Formal variant of 'count on' — to trust or depend on someone or something.

A more formal or literary variant of 'dawn on': to gradually become understood or realised by someone.

A formal or literary variant of 'decide on', meaning to reach a final choice about something.

A more formal or literary variant of 'descend on': to arrive suddenly in large numbers or to befall someone.

To make use of a source of knowledge, skill, experience, or resources.

To think, speak, or write about something at length, giving it more time and attention than might be necessary.

To attack suddenly, to discover by chance, or (of a duty) to become someone's responsibility.

The formal or literary equivalent of 'fix on': to direct attention or gaze firmly at something, or to decide upon something.

To rush at and attack something or someone suddenly; or to seize upon something eagerly (archaic/literary).

To regard something with disapproval, often implying a social or moral judgment against it.

To gradually close the distance between yourself and something or someone ahead of you.

To depend entirely on something, or to listen/watch with great intensity.

To find or encounter something or someone entirely by accident.

To depend entirely on one key factor or condition; the more formal variant of 'hinge on'.

To discover or think of something, especially a good idea or solution, often unexpectedly.

To make something better than an existing version; the formal equivalent of 'improve on'.

To leap onto something or someone, or to seize on an opportunity or remark eagerly.

The slightly more formal or literary variant of 'land on'; to arrive at, settle on, or discover something.

A formal or literary variant of 'lie on'; to be placed on a surface or to be someone's responsibility or burden.

To discover or encounter something by chance; a more formal or literary variant of 'light on'.

A more formal or literary way of saying 'regard' or 'consider' — to think of someone or something in a particular way.

To select or decide on something, typically somewhat casually or suddenly (formal/archaic variant of 'pitch on').

A formal or literary variant of 'play on,' meaning to exploit emotions, fears, or words.

To successfully persuade or convince someone to do something, especially something they were reluctant to do.

to target and exploit someone or something vulnerable

to expect or depend on someone or something

to think carefully and thoughtfully about something

to depend on or trust someone or something

to comment on something, often in a formal or literary way

An archaic or literary variant of 'round on': to suddenly turn and attack or criticise someone sharply.

To eagerly and quickly take advantage of an idea, opportunity, or piece of information; the more formal variant of 'seize on'.

To attack someone suddenly and violently, often as a group.

A more formal variant of 'settle on', meaning to make a final decision or choice.

(Vulgar) The more formal-sounding variant of 'shit on'; to treat someone with extreme contempt, cruelty, or disrespect.

to sit on top of something; also a formal variant of some figurative uses of 'sit on'

A formal or archaic variant of 'stand on', meaning to be based on a principle or to insist on one's rights.

To discover or encounter something completely by chance.

A more formal or literary variant of 'swear on,' used to invoke something sacred or precious as the foundation of a solemn promise.

To assume a responsibility or task on one's own initiative, without being instructed.

To mention or discuss a topic briefly and without going into detail, typically in a formal or written context.

To step on something physically, or to infringe on someone's rights, feelings, or territory.

A formal/literary variant of 'turn on': to suddenly attack or criticize someone, or to depend entirely on something.

To formally attend to or serve someone, especially in an official or deferential capacity; also, to formally visit someone.