it upholds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it upholds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing principles, values, or standards that are maintained or supported by something. Example: "The constitution is designed to ensure that it upholds the rights of all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

DfID said it was supporting girls' education and women's economic and social empowerment, and working with the Afghan government to ensure it upholds its commitments to protect women.

The Guardian

America's Founding Fathers recognized that a State does not -- and cannot -- exist unless it upholds its claim to the monopoly on force.

Huffington Post

Celebrity gossip will always attract more attention than the money misspent by a city council, but the reason we value a broadsheet more than a tabloid is because it upholds the civic duties of its profession better.

Huffington Post

Certainly it upholds some disquieting traditions.

Independent

The emotional appeal of the organisation is not that it upholds laws, but that it upholds standards.

The Guardian

If it upholds the appeal, the ban on importing seal products will effectively be struck down.

Independent

New Yorkers will be well served if it upholds the lower court's ruling.

The New York Times

That is crucial because it upholds the profoundly important concept of innocence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result is a narrow holding: It upholds the overturning of Mr. Jones's conviction for distributing cocaine.

The New York Times

Sometimes the court rules in favor of the veteran, ending the case, and sometimes it upholds the board's decision.

The New York Times

So the real question is what the Maryland court does and whether it upholds the arbitration provision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it upholds" when you want to emphasize that something actively supports or defends a principle, value, or standard. For example, "The legal system upholds the principle of justice."

Common error

Avoid using "it upholds" with inanimate subjects that cannot logically support or defend anything. For instance, avoid saying "The building upholds the sky"; instead, consider "The building supports the roof."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it upholds" functions as a verb phrase, where "it" typically refers to an institution, system, or principle, and "upholds" acts as the main verb. It signifies that the subject actively supports, maintains, or defends something, such as a law, standard, or value. Ludwig AI confirms the numerous examples where "it" is used to reference the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it upholds" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies active support, maintenance, or defense of a principle, standard, or law. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing but can also be found in formal and business contexts. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it plays a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of actively preserving values, standards, and regulations. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the subject to avoid logical inconsistencies. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical contexts, writers can effectively use "it upholds" to convey a message of steadfast support and preservation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it maintains

Focuses on the act of keeping something in its current state or condition.

it supports

Emphasizes the idea of providing assistance or approval to something.

it defends

Highlights the act of protecting something from attack or criticism.

it champions

Suggests actively promoting and advocating for something.

it adheres to

Implies strict compliance with a rule, standard, or agreement.

it preserves

Focuses on the act of keeping something safe from harm or decay.

it sustains

Emphasizes the act of providing continued support or nourishment.

it safeguards

Highlights the act of protecting something from potential dangers or threats.

it validates

Focuses on confirming the correctness or legitimacy of something.

it reinforces

Suggests strengthening or solidifying something that already exists.

FAQs

How can I use "it upholds" in a sentence?

Use "it upholds" to describe something that actively supports or defends a principle, value, or standard. For example: "The court of appeals "it upholds" the lower court's ruling."

What are some alternatives to "it upholds"?

You can use alternatives like "it maintains", "it supports", or "it defends" depending on the specific context.

Is "it upholds" formal or informal?

"It upholds" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and official statements. It is therefore a more formal phrase than other options such as "it backs up".

What is the difference between "it upholds" and "it enforces"?

"It upholds" means to maintain or support, while "it enforces" means to compel obedience to a law or rule. For instance, a court "it upholds" a law, while the police "it enforces" it.