The word thereupon is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term in English, but it still appears frequently in legal, academic, and literary contexts. Learning how to use thereupon in a sentence can improve your formal writing and help you understand advanced English texts. In essence, thereupon connects actions in time, meaning immediately after that or as a result of that. It is important for learners and advanced speakers alike to see sentence examples that demonstrate its proper usage. Understanding this term in different contexts can enhance both comprehension and communication in English.
Definition and Meaning of ‘Thereupon’
Thereupon is an adverb that generally carries two meanings:
- Immediately after something: It indicates a direct and immediate response or event following another.
- As a result of something: It shows cause-and-effect, particularly in formal writing or speech.
Thereupon is commonly found in legal documents, historical writing, and formal storytelling. Its structure usually follows a formal tone, often paired with actions or decisions taken immediately after a specific event.
Sentence Examples Using ‘Thereupon’
Examples in Everyday Contexts
Although thereupon is not commonly used in casual conversation, it may still appear in storytelling or writing with a more formal tone. Here are some examples:
- He received the letter and thereupon decided to leave the country.
- The child dropped the toy, thereupon throwing a tantrum in the store.
- She glanced at her watch and thereupon stood up to leave.
- Thereupon, the audience stood and applauded her performance.
- The storm grew stronger, thereupon the villagers sought shelter.
Examples in Legal or Formal Writing
In legal and official documents, thereupon is often used to describe the sequence of actions in proceedings or decisions:
- The defendant entered a plea of guilty, thereupon the judge scheduled sentencing.
- The contract was signed, and thereupon both parties were legally bound.
- The case was presented to the jury, thereupon deliberations began.
- The agreement was terminated, thereupon the plaintiff sought damages.
- The witness gave testimony, thereupon the court adjourned for the day.
Examples in Literature and Historical Writing
Writers of history or fiction sometimes use thereupon to indicate the timeline of events in a descriptive manner:
- Thereupon the knight rode off into the dark forest in search of the dragon.
- She heard a knock at the door, thereupon her heart began to race.
- Thereupon the king ordered the gates to be closed for the night.
- The explorers reached the summit, thereupon they raised their flag in triumph.
- He finished the last chapter, thereupon tears welled in his eyes.
Structure and Placement in a Sentence
Thereupon is most often placed between two clauses, linking them together in sequence. It can come at the beginning or middle of the second clause. Consider the sentence structures below:
- Clause + thereupon + clause:The teacher gave instructions, thereupon the students began their work.
- Thereupon + clause:Thereupon she smiled and walked away.
This makes thereupon versatile in positioning, but it must always relate clearly to a prior action or result. It is also always followed by a verb or a full clause, as it connects two complete thoughts.
Differences Between ‘Thereupon’ and Similar Words
Several other formal adverbs function similarly to thereupon. Here is a brief comparison:
- Therefore: Indicates logical result or conclusion rather than chronological order.
- Thereafter: Means after that but focuses on a later time, not necessarily immediate.
- Then: Less formal, used more commonly in everyday speech to show sequence.
- Hence: Used to show reason or consequence but can sound archaic in some contexts.
For example:
- He was late,thereuponthe meeting began without him. (Immediate result)
- He was late,thereafterhe missed all team briefings. (Continued consequence)
Common Contexts Where Thereupon Is Used
Legal Proceedings
Lawyers and judges use thereupon when summarizing events or procedural steps. Its precision helps avoid ambiguity in timelines or responsibilities.
Academic or Scholarly Papers
In research or formal analysis, thereupon can effectively present cause-and-effect sequences in a polished way.
Historical Descriptions
Historical writing often uses this word to narrate events clearly and in order. It helps establish chronology in a sophisticated manner.
Fiction and Classic Literature
Authors sometimes use thereupon to enrich their narrative style, especially when mimicking older English or maintaining a formal tone.
Tips for Using ‘Thereupon’ Correctly
- Ensure the action or event before thereupon logically leads to what follows.
- Do not use it in overly casual settings it is best reserved for formal or written contexts.
- Review examples from legal or literary sources to see how it fits naturally into different sentence structures.
Why Learning Thereupon Matters
Understanding how to use thereupon helps in reading advanced English texts, especially those involving formal writing, laws, contracts, or scholarly content. It improves clarity when explaining consequences or sequences and adds a polished tone to writing. Moreover, being familiar with such terms broadens your vocabulary and helps you become a more effective communicator in both written and spoken English.
The use of thereupon in a sentence reflects a high level of language proficiency. Whether you are reading legal documents, studying historical texts, or writing formal essays, mastering the placement and meaning of this word can enhance your understanding and expression. Through the examples provided, you can now identify, interpret, and apply thereupon confidently in appropriate contexts. Keep practicing with your own sentences to reinforce your learning and develop a more formal tone when needed.