cannot uphold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot uphold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something cannot be maintained, supported, or sustained, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "The court ruled that it cannot uphold the previous decision due to lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

If we cannot uphold our democratic choice, the future of Kenya will be lost.

The New York Times

Now a country that cannot uphold the law can get ahead as a victim, instead of a villain".

The Guardian

The spendthrift Mr. Micawber cannot uphold the now famous principle his poor example demonstrates for David: "Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen six, result happiness.

The New York Times - Books

The prime minister cannot uphold the Paris agreement on climate change, which comes into force next month, and permit the runway to be built.

The Guardian - Opinion

Groups that object to it on religious grounds may find that they cannot uphold their tenets even within their own organizations.

The New York Times

But as global demand collapsed late last year, companies like Trumpf began grappling with the idea that even family-minded executives, despite their best intentions, cannot uphold their end of such a generous social contract.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

Because it is rooted in these doctrines, Jainism cannot exclusively uphold the views of any individual, community, nation, or species.

Wikipedia

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

The Guardian

Although protesting lawyers are likely to make themselves available to ensure the most sensitive cases – including sex crimes – do not face unnecessary disruption, leading lawyers believe police face releasing potentially serious criminals if post-arrest rights cannot be upheld.

Independent

These great principles cannot be upheld if the quality of our public schooling continues to depend more on where a student lives than on a national commitment to excellence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot uphold", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is failing to be maintained or defended. For example: "The evidence presented was insufficient, and the court cannot uphold the verdict."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot uphold" when the intended meaning is simply "disagree with" or "reject". "Uphold" implies a prior standard or agreement that is now being challenged or tested. Instead of saying "I cannot uphold that idea", consider "I disagree with that idea" if there isn't a legal or moral obligation at stake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot uphold" functions as a negative predicate, indicating the inability to maintain, defend, or support something. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in legal, ethical, and practical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot uphold" is a versatile expression used to indicate the inability to maintain, support, or defend something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it carries a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the subject of the phrase is well-defined. Remember that it indicates that something should be maintained or supported, but is failing to be maintained or defended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to maintain

Focuses on the lack of ability to keep something in its current state.

incapable of supporting

Highlights the lack of capacity to provide assistance or justification.

unable to defend

Emphasizes the inability to protect or argue in favor of something.

cannot validate

Focuses on the inability to confirm the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

unable to sustain

Highlights the lack of ability to keep something going over time.

cannot justify

Emphasizes the inability to provide a reasonable explanation or excuse.

unable to enforce

Focuses on the lack of ability to ensure compliance with rules or laws.

cannot preserve

Highlights the inability to keep something intact or unchanged.

unable to observe

Emphasizes the failure to follow the rules, guidelines, or laws.

cannot stand by

Highlights the inability to condone something by doing nothing, as it is not in your power to provide support to it.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot uphold" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot uphold" to express the inability to support or maintain something, especially a decision, principle, or law. For example: "The appellate court "cannot uphold" the lower court's ruling."

What are some alternatives to "cannot uphold"?

Alternatives include "unable to maintain", "incapable of supporting", or "unable to defend", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot uphold"?

It's appropriate when referring to something that should be maintained or supported but, due to certain circumstances, that maintenance or support is impossible. This often applies to legal decisions, moral standards, or established principles.

What's the difference between "cannot uphold" and "cannot support"?

"Cannot support" generally refers to a lack of agreement or endorsement, while "cannot uphold" implies a failure to maintain or defend something that was previously in place. "Cannot uphold" has a stronger implication of responsibility or obligation.