can be upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something can be maintained or supported, often referring to laws, decisions, or principles. Example: "The court ruled that the previous decision can be upheld based on the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Only when agreements in Europe can be upheld, can we rebuild trust".

The New York Times

And we believe for that reason we should prevail because I don't think legally that can be upheld".

The Guardian - Sport

Professor Aumann built on Professor Schelling's work to analyse so-called infinitely repeated games and identify what outcomes can be upheld over time in long-run relations.

The Guardian - Business

The Metropolitan Police has asked groups planning to demonstrate during or in advance of Margaret Thatcher's funeral to make themselves known to officers so that their "right to protest can be upheld".

Independent

Principles can be upheld without micromanagement.Another worry is the fact that such a weighty document was passed under a cloud of bureaucratic obscurity, almost unnoticed by the world, except for some lobby groups which welcomed it.

The Economist

"If a broad ban on firearms can be upheld based on conjecture that the public might feel safer (while being no safer at all), then the Second Amendment guarantees nothing," the dissent argued.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It is a question of how long this schism can be uphold, especially in the light of the challenges by joining the EU.

European Journal of Health Economics

After the recent disclosures on the "PRISM" program such trust in an "adequate level of protection" by the involved companies can hardly be upheld.

TechCrunch

Although she's keen to remember the life she and Axl have shared together, "whatever its shape, for it's been a thing dear to us", there's not just one couple's memories to consider; once past atrocities are remembered by everyone how can peace be upheld?

BBC

Lewis' (1979, 133ff) claim that the difference between centered and uncentered propositions plays little role in how belief and other attitudes are formally represented, and postulated to behave in a rational way, can only be upheld for synchronic constraints on the statics of belief.

SEP

An "overlapping consensus"[ 18] at the level of policy can thus be upheld from a variety of moral perspectives and by way of diverging views about the importance of national borders.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be upheld", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained or supported, such as a legal decision, a principle, or an agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "can be upheld" in contexts where a more active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The decision can be upheld by the court", consider "The court can uphold the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be upheld" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility or ability for something to be maintained or supported. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The modal verb "can" indicates possibility, while the passive voice emphasizes the action being performed on the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be upheld" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses the possibility of something being maintained or supported, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a formal register. While the phrase is accurate, writers should consider whether an active voice would provide a clearer and more direct construction. Alternatives such as "can be maintained" or "can be supported" may offer a more nuanced expression depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be sustained

Replaces "upheld" with "sustained", focusing on the ability to maintain something over time.

can be maintained

Substitutes "upheld" with "maintained", emphasizing the act of keeping something in its current state.

can be supported

Uses "supported" instead of "upheld", highlighting the idea of providing assistance or validation.

can be validated

Replaces "upheld" with "validated", stressing the act of confirming something's accuracy or legitimacy.

can be defended

Substitutes "upheld" with "defended", focusing on protecting something from attack or criticism.

can be justified

Uses "justified" instead of "upheld", emphasizing the idea of showing something to be right or reasonable.

can be preserved

Replaces "upheld" with "preserved", highlighting the act of maintaining something in its original condition.

can be enforced

Substitutes "upheld" with "enforced", focusing on ensuring compliance with a rule or law.

can be ratified

Uses "ratified" instead of "upheld", emphasizing the idea of formally approving something.

can be vindicated

Replaces "upheld" with "vindicated", stressing the act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

FAQs

What does "can be upheld" mean?

The phrase "can be upheld" means that something is capable of being maintained, supported, or defended. It suggests that there is a basis or justification for its continued existence or validity.

How to use "can be upheld" in a sentence?

Use "can be upheld" to indicate that a decision, principle, or agreement is likely to be supported or maintained. For example: "The court ruled that the previous decision "can be upheld" based on the evidence presented."

What are some alternatives to "can be upheld"?

Alternatives to "can be upheld" include "can be sustained", "can be maintained", or "can be supported". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "can be upheld" typically used?

The phrase "can be upheld" is commonly used in legal, formal, and academic contexts to discuss the validity or defensibility of laws, decisions, principles, or agreements. It is also used in news and media when reporting on such matters.