Yes, “upon” is a preposition. It functions similarly to “on” but is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
Uses of “Upon” as a Preposition:
- Indicating Position or Location (Similar to “on” but more formal)
- He placed the dishes upon the table.
- The book was resting upon the shelf.
- Indicating an Event Happening Immediately After Another
- Upon entering the restaurant, she was greeted by the staff.
- Upon finishing the meal, they ordered dessert.
- Indicating Dependence or Basis
- The restaurant’s success depends upon customer satisfaction.
- Their marketing strategy is built upon social media engagement.
Why “Upon” Is a Preposition
- Prepositions show relationships between words, especially in terms of location, time, or cause.
- “Upon” always introduces a noun or pronoun and establishes a relationship with another word in the sentence.
Thus, “upon” is a preposition.