I woke up at 3 am last night.
My big toe was killing me!
Dr. AI says I’m dehydrated because I’m a sauna-holic. (translation: my body needs more water)
Then this morning, when I was walking on my terrace, I got a splinter.
In my big toe!
What’s going on?!
MAILBAG MONDAY
A reader asks, “I can’t tell the difference between ‘upon’ and more obvious words like ‘when’, ‘after’ and ’once.’”
And for context, here’s the example sentence she saw in the Atomic Words flashcards:
“Upon arriving at Disney Land, it will be necessary to spend the first two weeks of your vacation in quarantine.”
Short answer: They’re all the same.
When I arrived…
Once I arrived….
As soon as I arrived….
After I arrived…
So which to use?
Let’s keep it simple.
In conversation, use “when.” (or whatever you’re comfortable using.)
Because that’s the most common word and what I say and most native speakers say.
But when you’re reading or listening to English, or watching the news, you might hear “upon.”
It’s more formal.
So it’s good to know.
And now you know it!
TOMORROW: The Atomic Word of the week is….
