Difference Between Whereupon And Thereupon

Understanding the nuanced difference between the words ‘whereupon’ and ‘thereupon’ can help improve both written and spoken English. These terms are often found in legal texts, formal writings, and sometimes historical documents, making them a bit unfamiliar to modern readers. While they may appear similar in structure and sound, they serve different grammatical functions and convey slightly different meanings. Learning how and when to use each of these terms properly can greatly enhance your command of English, especially in formal contexts.

Definition of ‘Whereupon’

‘Whereupon’ is a conjunctive adverb that typically means immediately after which or as a result of which. It introduces a clause that shows the result or consequence of something that happened earlier in the sentence. It is usually used in storytelling or reporting events in sequence.

Examples of ‘Whereupon’

• He opened the letter,whereuponhe let out a loud sigh of relief.
• The judge entered the courtroom,whereuponeveryone stood up.
• She declined the offer,whereuponhe left the room silently.

In each of these examples, ‘whereupon’ links a preceding action to a subsequent reaction or event. The connection is immediate and often has a causal or consequential tone.

Definition of ‘Thereupon’

‘Thereupon’ is also a conjunctive adverb, but it generally means immediately after that or as a consequence. It is slightly more formal and may refer to the next step or reaction in a process or narrative. Unlike ‘whereupon,’ which refers more specifically to a preceding clause, ‘thereupon’ refers more loosely to the situation or subject that was just mentioned.

Examples of ‘Thereupon’

• The contract was signed,thereuponthe project officially commenced.
• He confessed to the crime,thereuponthe police arrested him.
• The plan was approved,thereuponthe team began implementing it.

These examples show that ‘thereupon’ introduces a result or consequence, much like ‘whereupon,’ but with a slightly broader or less immediate connection.

Grammatical Function and Usage

Both words function as conjunctive adverbs and are most commonly used in formal written English. However, their placement and referential scope differ slightly.

Use of ‘Whereupon’

Use ‘whereupon’ when referring to something very specific that has just occurred and when the following event is a direct consequence of that occurrence.

Use of ‘Thereupon’

Use ‘thereupon’ to refer more generally to the last event, statement, or situation that was described. It doesn’t always require the direct cause-and-effect relationship that ‘whereupon’ implies.

Historical and Formal Tone

Both ‘whereupon’ and ‘thereupon’ are relatively archaic in casual conversation. You are more likely to encounter these words in legal writing, historical texts, contracts, academic papers, or literature. They often serve to make the tone more sophisticated and formal.

Examples in Legal Language

• The party failed to perform its obligations,whereuponthe agreement was deemed void.
• The judgment was rendered,thereuponexecution proceedings were initiated.

In these legal contexts, choosing the correct term can have implications for clarity and interpretation. Precision is essential when drafting or analyzing formal documents.

Subtle Differences in Emphasis

While both words introduce a result or subsequent action, the subtle difference lies in what exactly is being referenced:

• ‘Whereupon’usually refers to a specific event or action immediately preceding it.
• ‘Thereupon’refers to the situation or condition as a whole, not necessarily a single action.

For instance, consider these sentences:

He insulted the manager, whereupon he was asked to leave.

The report was submitted, thereupon the board convened an emergency meeting.

In the first, the insult directly caused the next action. In the second, the submission led to a general situation that prompted a meeting, not necessarily an immediate response.

When to Choose One Over the Other

Choosing between ‘whereupon’ and ‘thereupon’ depends on what you’re trying to emphasize:

• Use‘whereupon’when the second action is a direct and immediate result of the first one.
• Use‘thereupon’when the second action follows the first in a sequence but may not be a direct consequence.

Clarity and Flow

Although both are grammatically correct and acceptable in formal English, using them properly enhances the clarity and flow of your writing. For example, in narrative or descriptive writing, ‘whereupon’ may feel more vivid and cause-oriented. ‘Thereupon,’ on the other hand, might feel more procedural or neutral.

Modern Alternatives

In everyday or modern English, these terms can often be replaced with more familiar words or phrases. Here are some common substitutes:

• Whereupon: after which, and then, as a result
• Thereupon: subsequently, then, afterward

Rewriting earlier examples using modern alternatives might look like this:

• He opened the letter, and then he let out a sigh of relief.
• The contract was signed. Subsequently, the project started.

These alternatives help maintain the meaning while making the sentence more accessible to a broader audience.

In summary, the difference between ‘whereupon’ and ‘thereupon’ lies in their focus and contextual use. While both indicate that one event follows another, ‘whereupon’ tends to point directly at a specific action causing the next, while ‘thereupon’ refers to a broader context that leads to a consequence. Understanding the distinction allows for more precise and effective communication, especially in formal or academic settings. Whether writing legal documents, essays, or narratives, knowing how to use these terms correctly adds depth and clarity to your language.