must be upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of maintaining or adhering to a rule, principle, or standard. Example: "The rights of all individuals must be upheld to ensure a fair and just society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The human being, however, has an "image of self" s/he cultivates and believes must be upheld at all costs.

Huffington Post

Their rights, too often violated, must be upheld.

The New York Times

So parliamentary sovereignty must be upheld... but not always.

The Guardian

This is a principle which must be upheld without any exceptions.

Independent

The statement said that now, "at any cost, the rule of law must be upheld".

The New York Times

The party's leadership must be upheld; reform must adhere to the "correct political orientation".

The Economist

The rule of law in affirming that this is a hate incident must be upheld".

The Guardian

They must be upheld by anyone seeking elected office – not just our next president.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a modesty to the creative act that must be upheld," he insists.

The Guardian

(And there is nothing wrong with that. Standards must be upheld).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Brothers' election manifesto says that Egypt's international agreements must be upheld, presumably including those with Israel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be upheld" when you want to stress the importance of maintaining standards, laws, or principles. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and speeches where a strong sense of obligation is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "must be upheld" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound out of place in relaxed settings; consider using alternatives like "needs to be respected" or "should be maintained" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be upheld" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI indicates its proper use in contexts where maintaining principles, standards, or rules is paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be upheld" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI indicates its suitability for emphasizing the importance of maintaining rules, principles, or standards, particularly in formal contexts. While it's advisable to avoid overuse in casual settings, understanding its communicative purpose and appropriate register can enhance effective writing and communication. Alternatives like "needs to be maintained" or "should be preserved" offer options for varying tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be maintained

Emphasizes the ongoing effort required to keep something in its current state.

should be preserved

Highlights the importance of protecting something from harm or change.

has to be defended

Implies a need to actively protect something against opposition or threats.

is required to be enforced

Focuses on the necessity of implementing and maintaining a rule or regulation.

ought to be sustained

Suggests a moral or ethical obligation to continue supporting something.

should be guaranteed

Highlights the necessity of ensure and protect something.

must be respected

Highlights the necessity of showing consideration for something.

needs to be safeguarded

Stresses the importance of protecting something from potential dangers.

has to be observed

Emphasizes the importance of complying with a rule or custom.

is essential to maintain

Highlights the critical importance of keeping something in good condition.

FAQs

How can I use "must be upheld" in a sentence?

Use "must be upheld" to express a strong necessity for maintaining a principle, law, or standard. For instance, "The rule of law "must be upheld" at all costs."

What are some alternatives to "must be upheld"?

Alternatives include "needs to be maintained", "should be preserved", or "has to be defended", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "must be upheld" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "must be upheld" is generally considered formal. In casual conversation, using phrases like "needs to be respected" or "should be maintained" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "must be upheld" and "should be upheld"?

"Must be upheld" implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity than "should be upheld". "Must" indicates a non-negotiable requirement, while "should" suggests a recommendation or moral imperative.