is upholding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is upholding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of maintaining or supporting a principle, law, or standard. Example: "The organization is upholding its commitment to environmental sustainability through various initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is upholding the disciplines of an international trading system that has worked for everyone's benefit".

The New York Times

It's difficult to see what social good the state is upholding with its legal action.

The New York Times

That is upholding parliamentary sovereignty; triggering article 50 is just the start of the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is upholding the rule of law, on which our republic is founded.

The Guardian - Opinion

A big victory for her is upholding a rule written in the Clinton administration.

The New York Times

Guy Anker, managing editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, points out that the Financial Ombudsman is upholding 70% of complaints rejected by banks.

The Guardian - Business

If there is a third rail in Brooklyn politics, it is upholding a strict reverence for Brooklyn's fabled history.

The New York Times

I am pleased to say that the British Labour party is upholding the honour of the European left.

The Guardian - Opinion

As important, he said, is upholding the norm against the use of chemical weapons, which even the Russians have supported, endorsing Mr. Obama's "red line" last year.

The New York Times

I will be thinking of how Rhode Island is upholding its legacy as a place founded on the principles of tolerance and diversity.

The New York Times

At one moment, Mr Zuma is upholding the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference dear to despots around the world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is upholding" when you want to emphasize the active role someone or something is taking in maintaining or supporting a principle, law, or tradition.

Common error

Avoid using "is upholding" when a more direct, active verb would make your writing more concise and impactful. For example, instead of "The decision is upholding the law", consider "The decision upholds the law".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is upholding" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress. It typically signifies the act of supporting, maintaining, or defending something, such as a law, principle, or standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is upholding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the act of actively supporting or maintaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adheres to standard grammar rules and is versatile across various communication contexts. Predominantly found in news and media outlets, it conveys a neutral tone while asserting a commitment to values, principles, or standards. When writing, keep in mind that while this phrase is widely accepted you can substitute it for alternatives like is maintaining or is supporting for nuance or conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is maintaining

Focuses on the continuation aspect rather than the active support.

is supporting

Highlights providing assistance and encouragement.

is preserving

Emphasizes keeping something intact and preventing it from being harmed.

is defending

Implies actively protecting something from attack or criticism.

is safeguarding

Suggests protecting something valuable from potential harm.

is adhering to

Highlights compliance with a rule or standard.

is complying with

Similar to adhering to, but may suggest a more formal obligation.

is honoring

Emphasizes respect and admiration for something.

is respecting

Focuses on showing consideration and avoiding violation.

is standing by

Implies supporting something even in difficult circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "is upholding" in a sentence?

You can use "is upholding" to describe the act of maintaining or defending a principle, law, or standard. For example, "The court is upholding the previous ruling".

What are some alternatives to "is upholding"?

You can use alternatives like "is maintaining", "is preserving", or "is supporting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is uphold" instead of "is upholding"?

No, "is uphold" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "is upholding", which uses the present participle form of the verb "uphold".

What's the difference between "is upholding" and "upholds"?

"Is upholding" is a continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action, while "upholds" is a simple present tense, indicating a habitual action or general truth. For instance, "The organization is upholding its values" suggests a current effort, whereas "The organization upholds its values" implies a consistent practice.