could not be upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a decision, rule, or principle is not valid or cannot be maintained. Example: "The court ruled that the previous decision could not be upheld due to lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Ct., it is clearly intimated that a taxing law could not be upheld which, in its necessary operation, was shown to be oppressive and unconstitutional.

Cornell University

The appeals chamber found that absent specific evidence that Perisic intended that the assistance be used to commit crimes, his conviction could not be upheld.

The New York Times

While the adjudicator "endeavoured to fulfil his responsibilities conscientiously for the long-term benefit of the school, the candidates and their parents," the rulings could not be upheld.

The Guardian

The court ruled that the judge's instructions to the jury on the charge were erroneous and that therefore her conviction could not be upheld.

The New York Times

Christine Thornley, head of wills, trusts and probate at Gorvins Solicitors, says that in the UK this will could not be upheld.

The Guardian - Money

The court ruled that Iran's claim that American attacks on three oil rigs violated freedom of commerce could not be upheld because there was no trade between the countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He could not make laws, only issue administrative edicts that might or might not be upheld after his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their claims will not be upheld.

The Guardian - Money

They have not been upheld.

The Guardian

Her 1st Amendment right has not been upheld.

University of California, Berkeley

A dozen or so other complaints have not been upheld.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be upheld" in legal or formal writing, ensure that the reason for the invalidation is clearly stated. Provide specific evidence or rationale to support the claim that something "could not be upheld".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "could not be upheld" sounds overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't hold up" or "wasn't valid" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be upheld" functions as a passive construction expressing the inability to validate or support something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that a decision, rule, or principle lacks the necessary basis for continuation or acceptance. The examples show its use in legal and regulatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be upheld" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express the invalidation or lack of support for a claim, decision, or principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly suitable for formal contexts such as legal, academic, and journalistic writing. While its formality may make it less appropriate for casual conversation, its precise meaning makes it a valuable phrase for conveying authority and finality. Frequent use in news, academic, and scientific sources, from the New York Times to Cornell University, demonstrates its acceptance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not stand

Focuses on the inability to remain valid or in effect, shifting from 'upholding' to 'standing'.

could not be sustained

Emphasizes the lack of long-term support for a decision or argument, using 'sustained' instead of 'upheld'.

could not be maintained

Highlights the inability to keep something in its current state, swapping 'upheld' for 'maintained'.

could not be validated

Indicates a failure to prove the correctness or legitimacy of something, replacing 'upheld' with 'validated'.

could not be defended

Focuses on the inability to protect or justify a position, using 'defended' in place of 'upheld'.

could not be justified

Highlights the lack of a valid reason or excuse, swapping 'upheld' for 'justified'.

could not be supported

Emphasizes the absence of evidence or backing for a claim, replacing 'upheld' with 'supported'.

could not be ratified

Focuses on the failure to formally approve or confirm something, swapping 'upheld' for 'ratified'.

could not be endorsed

Highlights the lack of official approval or support, replacing 'upheld' with 'endorsed'.

could not be preserved

Indicates the inability to keep something in its original condition or state, substituting 'upheld' with 'preserved'.

FAQs

What does "could not be upheld" mean?

The phrase "could not be upheld" means that a decision, principle, or claim is not valid and cannot be maintained or supported. It suggests a failure to prove or defend something, leading to its rejection.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could not be upheld"?

This phrase is best suited for formal contexts, such as legal documents, academic papers, or news articles. It conveys a sense of authority and finality when discussing the invalidation of something.

What are some alternatives to "could not be upheld"?

Alternatives include "could not stand", "could not be sustained", or "could not be maintained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

How does "could not be upheld" differ from "was not upheld"?

"Could not be upheld" implies a fundamental inability to validate or support something, suggesting inherent flaws or lack of evidence. "Was not upheld" simply states that something was rejected, without necessarily implying the same degree of inherent weakness. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to place on the reasons for the rejection.