cannot be upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be upheld" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use this phrase to express that an idea, belief, or action cannot be shown to be true, correct, or justifiable. For example: "The argument that the defendant is innocent cannot be upheld in a court of law."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Assuming this to be the reason for excluding the evidence offered, the ruling cannot be upheld.

Cornell University

And when these principles cannot be upheld, neither can the results.

The Guardian

The court said: 'But the imposing of the attorney's see of $25 as costs cannot be upheld.

Cornell University

If the decision of the Carter Case upon the point stated stands, the Board's order cannot be upheld.

Cornell University

That certification cannot be upheld, for it rests on a conception of Rule 23(b)(3)'s predominance requirement irreconcilable with the rule's design.

Harvard University

That certification cannot be upheld, for it rests on a conception of Rule 23(b)(3)'s predominance requirement irreconcilable with the Rule's design.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"She cannot be upholding the impartiality of the broadcasting regulator whilst tweeting pro-Conservative, anti-Labour material about TV debates.

The Guardian

The German use of military force in Afghanistan has illustrated that a defensive military mandate in a war zone cannot be uphold.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

In the light of the clinical long-term data, complemented by our alternative explanation of the imatinib effect, the statement by Abbott and Michor – 'the conclusion that leukaemic stem cells cannot be depleted by imatinib can safely be drawn' – cannot be uphold.

British Journal of Cancer

As discussed below, the presumed independence from state-specific genes of the somatic change cannot possibly be upheld, while the presumed innocuousness is doubtful at best.

Biogerontology

The claim, made by many scholars, that African morality is founded on, or derives from, religion cannot, in my opinion, be upheld, if by morality we are referring to social principles and norms that guide the conduct of people in a society.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be upheld", ensure the context clearly indicates what is failing to be supported or maintained. This phrase is often used in legal, scientific, and ethical discussions to express disagreement or invalidation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be upheld" when you intend to convey that something is being supported or maintained. This phrase expresses the opposite meaning, indicating a failure or inability to validate or defend something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be upheld" functions as a negative assessment, indicating that a statement, decision, or principle lacks sufficient support or justification to be considered valid. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

36%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be upheld" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something lacks validity or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to express disagreement or invalidation, indicating that a claim, decision, or principle is unsustainable or indefensible. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what is failing to be supported. Consider alternatives like "cannot be sustained" or "cannot be justified" to fine-tune the specific meaning you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be sustained

Replaces "upheld" with "sustained", focusing on the inability to maintain or continue something.

cannot be maintained

Substitutes "upheld" with "maintained", highlighting the inability to keep something in its current state.

cannot be justified

Replaces "upheld" with "justified", shifting the focus to the lack of valid reasons or grounds for something.

cannot be defended

Changes "upheld" to "defended", emphasizing the inability to protect or argue in favor of something.

cannot be supported

Replaces "upheld" with "supported", highlighting the lack of evidence or backing for something.

cannot be validated

Substitutes "upheld" with "validated", focusing on the inability to prove or confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

cannot be ratified

Changes "upheld" to "ratified", emphasizing the inability to formally approve or confirm something.

cannot be confirmed

Replaces "upheld" with "confirmed", highlighting the lack of verification or certainty for something.

cannot be vindicated

Substitutes "upheld" with "vindicated", focusing on the inability to clear someone of blame or suspicion.

cannot be sanctioned

Changes "upheld" to "sanctioned", emphasizing the lack of official permission or approval for something.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be upheld" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be upheld" to indicate that a claim, decision, or principle cannot be supported or defended. For example: "The initial ruling "cannot be upheld" due to lack of evidence."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be upheld"?

Alternatives include "cannot be sustained", "cannot be justified", or "cannot be defended", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be upheld"?

It's appropriate when discussing legal verdicts, scientific theories, ethical arguments, or any situation where the validity or defensibility of something is being questioned.

What's the difference between "cannot be upheld" and "cannot be maintained"?

"Cannot be upheld" suggests something lacks validity or support, while "cannot be maintained" implies an inability to keep something in its current state or condition. The choice depends on whether you're questioning the validity or the sustainability of something.