Can "upon" be used in the context "He knocked upon the door"?

As far as I see, "upon" means "on top of".
So, the phrase "to knock upon the doors" sounds like "to knock on the
top of the door."

Additional thoughts:
 - Is there difference in UK/US english, regarding this?
 - When used in a songtext, should it be allowed, judging it as
"artists freedom"?
 - My own English/Dutch dictionary says, at the word upon: " -> up".
So, this is a counterexample of upon and up meaning different things

Hi and thanks for your question.

The New Oxford Dictionary of English published in 1998 gives a helpful
definition of 'upon' as "a more formal term" for 'on' with the "same
core meaning" as 'on'.  It goes on to say that it is used mostly in
"more formal contexts or established phrases and idioms".

This fits with my sense as a native speaker of English who has lived
both sides of the Atlantic that 'upon' is not used much in everyday
conversation.  But when you *do* hear 'upon', it just means 'on' not
'on top of'.

In writing or in verse to be spoken or sung, 'knock upon the door' is
quite acceptable as you will see from many examples here including pop
lyrics, children's songs and more formal pieces of writing (although
some of them are using 'knock' as a noun not a verb):

://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22knock+upon+the+door%22&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

'Knock upon the door' is one of those "established phrases" as far as
poets and songwriters are concerned. Don't forget it fits into quite a
different rhythm from 'knock at/on the door' and what creative writer
is going to let that opportunity go?

So, you can feel quite comfortable using the phrase in a song but I'd
avoid it when speaking.  Just remember 'upon' doesn't really have as
much to do with 'up' as your dictionary suggests.

I hope this helps but please ask for clarification if necessary.

Good luck with your writing.  Regards - Leli

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Request for Answer Clarification by chird-ga on 20 Sep 2002 01:45 PDT

This isn't as much as answer clarification, as it is a rectification
of my question.

My dictionary didn't say "Upon -> up", is says "Upon -> on".

My fault.

So, that's more in line with your "New Oxford Dictionary of English".

regards,
Geert

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Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 20 Sep 2002 04:05 PDT

Thanks for the nice feedback, Geert.  Glad to have helped.

Very complete answer, addressing all parts of my question.
Thanks very much.