whereupon

IPA/ˌweərəˈpɒn/
KK[wˈɛrəpˈɑn]IPA/ˌwerəˈpɑːn/

whereupon — conjunction

1. used to introduce a second event that happens straight after the one you have ju

1.conjunctionB2
Definition

used to introduce a second event that happens straight after the one you have just described, often as a direct result of it

Example

Samir told the manager he was quitting, whereupon she offered him a raise and a promotion.

whereupon + offer/response following news

The waiter brought the bill to the table, whereupon Marco realised he had left his wallet at home.

Synonyms
  • after which

    less formal and more neutral in tone than 'whereupon'

  • at which point

    emphasises the exact moment the second event begins

  • and so

    simpler and more conversational, used in everyday speech

  • consequently

    stresses the causal link more than the timing

Grammar Patterns

[event/clause], whereupon [consequence/clause]

Usage Note

Primarily used in formal writing and storytelling. In everyday conversation, 'so' or 'and then' sound more natural. A comma is always placed before 'whereupon'.

Common Mistakes

I got home whereupon I made tea.
I got home, whereupon I made tea.
a comma is always required before 'whereupon'.
She accepted the job, whereupon she liked the office.
She accepted the job, whereupon she started training the next week.
'whereupon' implies a direct consequence or immediate next step, not an unrelated opinion.

Synonym discussion

Sense: conjunction/1

'After which' is the closest neutral equivalent and works in both speech and writing. 'At which point' adds a sense of precise timing — the second event begins exactly when the first ends. 'Consequently' shifts the focus from timing to causation, making it the best choice when the logical result matters more than the sequence. 'And then' is the simplest, most conversational option and fits everyday storytelling. For example: 'The CEO resigned, after which the board appointed a successor' is formal but clear; 'The CEO resigned, and then the board appointed a successor' sounds natural in conversation.

after whichat which pointconsequently ↗and then

Common collocations

Phrases

  • clause, whereupon clause

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed by combining the Old English word 'hwǣr' (where) with 'uppon' (upon). Used since the 1100s to mean 'after which' or 'as a result of which'.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1