The correct spelling of the phrase "follow upon" is often a point of confusion for many people. The correct way to spell this phrase is with two distinct words, "follow" and "upon". The first word, "follow" is pronounced /ˈfɒl.əʊ/ and means to come after or pursue. The second word, "upon" is pronounced /əˈpɒn/ and means on top of or immediately after something else. So, "follow upon" means to pursue something immediately after or in sequence.
The phrase "follow upon" is a verb phrase that refers to the act of coming after or pursuing something or someone. It denotes the subsequent occurrence or consequence of a previous action or event. It suggests a continuation or progression from one action to another.
To "follow upon" implies that there is a logical connection between two actions, with the latter happening as a result or response to the former. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship or a direct consequence. This phrase often denotes a sense of immediacy or close succession, suggesting that the second action swiftly ensues after the first.
The term can be used in various contexts, such as in a chronological sequence of events, where one event "follows upon" another. It can also be employed in the context of a course of action or decision, where one step "follows upon" the completion of another. Furthermore, it can refer to the act of pursuing or chasing after someone or something – figuratively or literally.
Overall, "follow upon" signifies the act of pursuing, coming after, or resulting from a preceding action or event. It contains a sense of continuity and connection between two actions, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship or succession.
The word "follow upon" is a verb phrase, consisting of the verb "follow" and the preposition "upon". Each component has its own separate etymology:
1. Follow: The word "follow" originated from the Old English word "folgian", which means "to pursue, go after, or accompany". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "fulgōną" and shares an ancestral root with Old High German "folgōn" and Old Norse "fylgja". Further back, it can be traced to the Proto-Indo-European root "pelǵ-", meaning "to drive, track, or pursue".
2. Upon: The preposition "upon" comes from Middle English "upon" or "upo", which evolved from the Old English preposition "uppan".