it is upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are discussing the maintenance or support of a decision, law, or principle. Example: "The court ruled that the previous decision is valid, and it is upheld by the higher court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

If Banks has its application turned down, it can appeal; if it is upheld, they will have no such right.

The Economist

Under Italian law, that decision will not be considered final unless and until it is upheld by the court of cassation in its ruling this week, which could come as soon as Wednesday.

The Guardian

"It is my role to see that it is upheld.

The New Yorker

Therefore, we think it is upheld on appeal".

The New York Times - Sports

The implications of the ruling, if it is upheld, are profound.

The New Yorker

If it is upheld, the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, can consider clemency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Peacock has been accused of the union-bashing tactics that its MSNBC often reports on; Peacock will only say that it is upholding the law.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

GlaxoSmithKline has responded that it is entitled to cut off supplies to the Canadian pharmacies because it is upholding an American law banning imports of prescription drugs.

The New York Times

Given the US believes it is upholding an important principle of international law, a future Clinton administration is unlikely to recognise Russian-made "facts on the ground".

The Guardian

It is activism if they do not agree; it is upholding the Constitution if they do.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is upheld," ensure the subject being upheld is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is upheld" in contexts where a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "The court's decision means that the initial ruling it is upheld," use "The court's decision upholds the initial ruling."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is upheld" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a prior decision, law, or principle receives confirmation or support from a higher authority. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase is often associated with legal and regulatory contexts, aligning with its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is upheld" is a common passive construction used to indicate that a prior decision, rule, or principle remains valid and is supported by a higher authority. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, especially within news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While other alternatives like "it is sustained" or "it is maintained" can be used, "it is upheld" specifically emphasizes the act of upholding or confirming something's legitimacy. When writing, ensure clarity by clearly defining the subject being upheld and avoid overuse in simpler sentences to maintain a concise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is sustained

Focuses on the continuation and support of something, often a decision or argument.

it is maintained

Emphasizes the preservation and continuation of a certain state or condition.

it is validated

Highlights the confirmation of something's accuracy or legitimacy.

it is confirmed

Stresses the verification and establishment of something as true or correct.

it is supported

Indicates that something is being backed or assisted.

it is ratified

Implies a formal approval or endorsement, often in legal or political contexts.

it is defended

Suggests that something is being protected from attack or criticism.

it is endorsed

Focuses on the approval or recommendation of something.

it is preserved

Highlights the act of keeping something intact and preventing it from being damaged or lost.

it is honored

Emphasizes the respect and adherence to a commitment, agreement, or principle.

FAQs

How can I use "it is upheld" in a sentence?

Use "it is upheld" to indicate that a decision, principle, or law is being maintained or supported, especially by a higher authority. For instance, "The judge's ruling was appealed, but "it is upheld" by the Supreme Court."

What does "it is upheld" mean?

The phrase "it is upheld" means that something, such as a decision or principle, is confirmed or supported, often by a higher authority or through a legal process. It signifies that the original ruling or stance remains valid.

Which is more appropriate, "it is upheld" or "it was upheld"?

The choice between "it is upheld" and "it was upheld" depends on the tense required. "It is upheld" is used for present or ongoing situations, while "it was upheld" refers to a past event. For example, "The principle "it is upheld" today" vs "The decision "it was upheld" last year."

Are there formal alternatives to "it is upheld"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you can use phrases like "it is sustained", "it is ratified", or "it is validated" as alternatives to ""it is upheld"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.