what is differences between "upon and "onto"?

[Erik YK]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #169 "English prepositions exercises", question 7

During my study time, I came ......... this beautiful poem.

(a) past
(b) over
(c) onto
(d) upon

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #169 "English prepositions exercises", answer 7

During my study time, I came upon this beautiful poem.

Correct answer: (d) upon

Your answer was: incorrect
During my study time, I came onto this beautiful poem.
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what is differences between "upon and "onto" ?

Erik YK

[Alan]

Hi,

In the sentence 'come upon' means find by chance. 'Onto' is often used with verbs like 'climb' 'walk' with the idea of stepping from one level to another higher one. In that sense it can be used as in: He climbed onto the chair to reach the ceiling.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a stately home owner