it should be upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the idea that a certain principle, rule, or decision ought to be maintained or supported. Example: "In light of the evidence presented, it should be upheld that the original decision was fair and just."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In Florida and Ohio, about half of voters said the Supreme Court should overturn the health care law, while about 4 in 10 said it should be upheld.

The New York Times

About two-thirds of Republicans in the recent survey said the entire law should be overturned, while 43 percent of Democrats said all of it should be upheld.

The New York Times

The Justice Department under President Obama has refused to defend the law, but the Republican majority in the House of Representatives is paying for lawyers to argue that it should be upheld.

The New York Times

Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which requires areas with a history of discrimination to pre-clear any electoral changes with the Justice Department, remains a significant tool to prevent abuses in areas spread across 15 states, and it should be upheld by the court.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finally, there is the elective caesarean which, as founder of the Positive Birth Movement, Milli Hill, says, "is another right that a woman has, and it absolutely should be upheld".

The Guardian

He argued that the university's affirmative action policy should be upheld because it was small and carefully targeted — and nearly identical to what the high court had approved in 2003.

Los Angeles Times

The Bush administration says it plans to appeal, but the ruling should be upheld.

The New York Times

Both the federal District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, in Chicago, said the law's distinction between citizens and noncitizens should be upheld as long as it was "rational".

The New York Times

Nicholas D. Kristof, in arguing that Oregon's Death With Dignity law should be upheld ("Choosing Death," column, July 14) gets it exactly right.

The New York Times

The law should be upheld, he said, even if in some cases it may seem harsh.

The New York Times

Mr Reinfeldt and Mr Rutte are also sceptical about Mr Juncker's candidacy, and Mr Cameron said the "important principle" that it should be up to Europe's elected leaders to make the decision should be upheld.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it should be upheld", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, "the principle of free speech should be upheld" provides a more specific and impactful statement compared to a vague "it should be upheld".

Common error

Avoid using "it should be upheld" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "it should stand" or "it needs to be supported" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be upheld" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an opinion or recommendation that something (a law, principle, or decision) ought to be maintained or supported. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase being correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it should be upheld" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses the belief that something ought to be maintained or supported. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news, encyclopedic and scientific contexts and carries a formal tone. While versatile, the phrase is most impactful when the subject is clearly defined, and should be used carefully in informal contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it ought to be maintained" or "it must be supported" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to be maintained

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a sense of duty or moral obligation.

it should be preserved

Highlights maintaining something in its original state.

it must be supported

Emphasizes the necessity of providing assistance or approval.

it needs to be sustained

Focuses on the aspect of continuing support over time.

it deserves to be preserved

Highlights the value and importance of keeping something intact.

it warrants protection

Suggests a need for safeguarding from harm or opposition.

it is imperative to preserve it

Emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining something.

its validity should be confirmed

Shifts focus to verifying the correctness or legitimacy of something.

it is right to defend it

Highlights the moral justification for protecting something.

it merits continuation

Focuses on the justification for something to continue existing or happening.

FAQs

How can I use "it should be upheld" in a sentence?

Use "it should be upheld" to express the need for a rule, law, or principle to be maintained or supported. For example, "The court decided that the original ruling should be upheld."

What are some alternatives to "it should be upheld"?

You can use alternatives like "it ought to be maintained", "it must be supported", or "it needs to be sustained" depending on the context.

Is "it should be upheld" formal or informal?

"It should be upheld" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, often used in legal, political, or academic contexts.

What does it mean to say that something "should be upheld"?

When something "should be upheld", it means that it should be maintained, supported, and defended, usually referring to a law, principle, or decision.