The word ‘thereupon’ is one that often appears in formal writing, literature, legal documents, and sometimes in everyday English, though it may feel a bit old-fashioned or less common in casual speech. Many people wonder if ‘thereupon’ is actually one word or if it should be written as two separate words like ‘there upon.’ This question is important for anyone aiming to write accurately and confidently in English. This topic will clarify that ‘thereupon’ is indeed one word, explain its meaning, how it is used, and offer examples to help you grasp its role in English language effectively.
Is ‘Thereupon’ One Word?
Yes, ‘thereupon’ is one word. It is an adverb formed by combining ‘there’ and ‘upon’ into a single compound word. English contains many such compound adverbs that are written as one word for smoother, more concise expression. Unlike some phrases that might appear as two words but function together, ‘thereupon’ has long been established as a single word in dictionaries and formal usage.
The Meaning of ‘Thereupon’
‘Thereupon’ means ‘immediately after that,’ ‘as a result of that,’ or ‘upon that event.’ It is often used to show a direct connection between one event and the next, indicating that one action follows another without delay or hesitation. The word is formal and typically found in written English rather than casual conversation.
- Example: ‘She received the letter and thereupon decided to take action.’
- Meaning: She decided to act immediately after receiving the letter.
How to Use ‘Thereupon’ in Sentences
‘Thereupon’ is used to link two events or statements in a cause-and-effect or sequential manner. It usually appears at the beginning of the second clause or sentence, making the relationship clear.
- ‘He signed the contract and thereupon became the company’s new CEO.’
- ‘The court ruled in his favor, and thereupon the case was closed.’
- ‘They found the missing document and thereupon resumed the investigation.’
Using ‘thereupon’ helps convey that something happened right after or because of a previous event. It often adds a formal tone to the writing.
Differences Between ‘Thereupon’ and Similar Words
Several words express similar ideas, but ‘thereupon’ has its unique place:
- Thereafter: Means ‘after that,’ but not necessarily immediately after.
- Thereupon: Implies immediacy or direct consequence.
- Therewith: Means ‘with that’ or ‘by that means,’ focusing on manner or method.
- Hereupon: Similar to ‘thereupon,’ but often means ‘on this matter’ or ‘immediately after this.’
Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for precise expression.
Common Contexts for ‘Thereupon’
Legal and Formal Writing
‘Thereupon’ frequently appears in legal documents, contracts, and formal reports where clarity about the sequence of events is critical. Its use emphasizes that an action follows promptly from another, which is often necessary in legal reasoning or formal proceedings.
- ‘The defendant was served the notice and thereupon failed to respond.’
- ‘The parties agreed to the terms and thereupon signed the agreement.’
Literature and Historical Writing
In literature, especially classic or historical texts, ‘thereupon’ is used to maintain a formal or narrative tone. It helps create a sense of immediacy and flow between events in a story or account.
- ‘He heard the alarm and thereupon rushed to the scene.’
- ‘The king gave the command and thereupon the soldiers advanced.’
Everyday Use and Alternatives
While ‘thereupon’ is less common in everyday spoken English, it can still be used in formal emails or speeches to sound polished. However, in casual conversation, people often use simpler phrases like ‘right after that,’ ‘immediately,’ or ‘then.’
- Informal: ‘She finished her meal and then left.’
- Formal: ‘She finished her meal and thereupon left.’
Why Use ‘Thereupon’?
Using ‘thereupon’ can make writing more concise and elegant. It also helps in avoiding repetitive phrases like ‘immediately after that’ or ‘as a result of that.’ For writers aiming to maintain a formal or academic tone, ‘thereupon’ is a useful adverb to signal sequence and consequence clearly.
- Smooth transition between events
- Clear cause-and-effect relationship
- Formal tone suitable for legal, academic, or literary writing
- Conciseness in expression
How to Avoid Confusion with ‘Thereupon’
Because ‘thereupon’ is formal and less common, readers unfamiliar with it might find it confusing or outdated. If writing for a broad or casual audience, consider whether simpler alternatives like ‘immediately after’ or ‘then’ might be better. However, when precision and formality are priorities, ‘thereupon’ is a strong choice.
Summary and Key Points
- ‘Thereupon’ is one word, a compound adverb combining ‘there’ and ‘upon.’
- It means ‘immediately after that’ or ‘as a result of that.’
- Commonly used in formal writing, legal texts, and literature.
- Helps show a clear sequence or cause-and-effect relationship.
- Less common in everyday conversation, where simpler phrases are preferred.
- Synonyms include ‘thereafter’ (less immediate) and ‘hereupon’ (similar but context-dependent).
‘thereupon’ is definitely one word and a useful adverb in the English language. It efficiently conveys immediacy and consequence between events, making it a valuable tool for formal, legal, and literary contexts. Understanding when and how to use ‘thereupon’ will improve your writing style and help you communicate ideas about sequence and cause with clarity and sophistication. While it may feel somewhat formal or old-fashioned, it remains relevant and widely accepted in professional and academic writing. If you want your writing to be precise and polished, ‘thereupon’ is a word worth adding to your vocabulary.