The phrase "follows upon" is often written together as one word without any hyphens. It is pronounced as /ˈfɒləz əˈpɒn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "follows" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by an "lz" sound, and the word "upon" is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a "p" and "n" sound. This phrase is often used to describe something that comes after or results from a previous action or event.
"Follows upon" is a phrasal verb used to indicate or describe the occurrence of an event or action after another event or action. It suggests a sequence or consequential relationship between two events, in which the second event takes place or happens as a result or consequence of the first one.
The verb "follows" implies that the subsequent event or action comes after the initial one in proximity or time. It can also denote a logical or causal connection, as the first event paves the way for the second. The preposition "upon" denotes a close connection, emphasizing the immediate or direct consequence of the prior event or action.
This phrase is commonly used to describe a cause and effect relationship, where the second event is a direct result or a natural progression from the first. It signifies a cause leading to an effect, an action leading to a reaction, or a condition leading to a consequence. The phrase is often employed in formal or academic contexts, such as historical accounts, scientific research, and legal statements, to clarify the chronological order or interdependence of events.
In summary, "follows upon" serves as a phrasal verb that denotes the occurrence of an event or action after another, highlighting the sequence, cause and effect, or logical connection between the two events.
The word "follows upon" is a phrase rather than a single word, and its etymology can be broken down by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Follows: The word "follows" came into Middle English from the Old English word "folgian", which meant "to pursue or accompany". It further has roots in the Germanic language family, ultimately deriving from the Proto-Indo-European base *pel-, meaning "to follow" or "to accompany".
2. Upon: "Upon" is derived from the Middle English word "upon", which is a combination of the Old English preposition "uppan" (meaning "on" or "upon") and the adverbial suffix "-on". "Upon" in Old English evolved from the Germanic language ancestor *upp-ana, which roughly translates to "on top of" or "over".