I upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining or supporting a principle, law, or decision. Example: "In the court's ruling, I upheld the importance of justice and fairness for all parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As a result, I upheld my promise to him.

The New York Times

NASHVILLE — Members of N.C.A.A. Division I upheld a ban on text-messaging to high school students Saturday at their annual convention, defeating a movement by college coaches who had argued that the new technology was vital to connecting with teenage prospects.

The New York Times

But surprisingly, I upheld this lunchtime phone pledge with no problem.

Huffington Post

The Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Person's Act (RLUIPA) is reminiscent of the HR laws I upheld during my decades-long career in Human Resources.

Huffington Post

This organization and the coordination of my medical team led to the discovery of an infection, and although this was a difficult hurdle to overcome due to the treatments and pain, I upheld my duties at my job and never used my medical situation as an excuse to do less.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

[C2.] Policy on Genetic Food Is Upheld A federal judge has upheld the Food and Drug Administration's policy on genetically modified food, throwing out a lawsuit by biotechnology opponents that sought to require that such foods be labeled and tested for safety.

The New York Times

[Page C2.] AstraZeneca's Patent Is Upheld A federal judge has at least partly upheld the patent protection of Prilosec, an ulcer treatment made by AstraZeneca that is one of the strongest-selling prescription drugs.

The New York Times

F2 Health & Fitness F7 FASHION B9 ARTS E1-10 Author's Work Is Upheld A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit asserting that David Hare's one-man play about the Middle East, "Via Dolorosa," had misappropriated elements from another's work.

The New York Times

A8 French Labor Law Is Upheld France's Constitutional Council upheld the constitutionality of a fiercely contested new labor law, dealing a blow to opposition Socialists who had asked the council to strike it down but extending the crisis now facing the government.

The New York Times

Back in New York, I uphold my end of the bargain.

The New York Times - Travel

I uphold Kernow.' Why is British acting so good?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I upheld" to clearly state that you supported a principle, maintained a standard, or honored a commitment. This phrasing adds a formal and definitive tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I upheld" in overly casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I supported" or "I agreed with" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I upheld" functions as a declaration of past action, where the speaker asserts that they maintained or supported something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It directly expresses the fulfillment of a duty, promise, or standard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I upheld" is a grammatically correct and formal way to express that you maintained, supported, or defended a principle or commitment, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it carries a tone of responsibility and accountability, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "I supported" in casual settings. Related phrases include "I maintained" and "I honored", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I maintained

Focuses on the act of keeping something in its original state or condition.

I supported

Emphasizes providing assistance or approval to something.

I honored

Highlights fulfilling a commitment or promise.

I defended

Suggests protecting something from attack or criticism.

I stood by

Implies remaining loyal or committed to something, especially in difficult times.

I preserved

Focuses on keeping something intact or preventing it from being damaged or destroyed.

I validated

Highlights confirming or proving the validity of something.

I abided by

Emphasizes complying with a rule, law, or decision.

I stood for

Implies representing or advocating for a particular cause or principle.

I complied with

Focuses on acting in accordance with someone's wishes or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "I upheld" in a sentence?

Use "I upheld" to express that you maintained, supported, or defended a principle, agreement, or standard. For example, "I upheld my promise to keep the information confidential".

What can I say instead of "I upheld"?

You can use alternatives like "I maintained", "I supported", or "I honored" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I upheld" or "I hold up"?

"I upheld" is the past tense of "uphold", indicating you have already supported or maintained something. "I hold up" means you are currently supporting or maintaining something. The correct choice depends on the timing of the action.

What's the difference between "I upheld" and "I defended"?

While both imply support, "I upheld" suggests maintaining a standard or principle, whereas "I defended" implies protecting something from criticism or attack.