should uphold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should uphold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expectation or obligation to maintain certain standards, values, or principles. Example: "As members of this organization, we should uphold the values of integrity and respect in all our interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The appeals court should uphold his decision.

The New York Times

The justices should uphold the appeals court ruling.

The New York Times

Members of Congress and President Obama should uphold this commitment.

The New York Times

"He thinks that's a principle that we should uphold.

The Guardian

"The modern Islamic state should uphold equality," Abdullah says.

The Guardian

We may and should uphold freedom of religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Supreme Court should uphold the law in its entirety.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court should uphold that well-reasoned decision.

The New York Times

The partner also should uphold modern accounting standards.

The New Yorker

But the justices should uphold the Maryland court's ruling, thus calling into question those other rulings.

The New York Times

The new government should uphold the law and keep the roads open.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should uphold" when indicating an expectation or obligation to maintain a particular standard, principle, or law. For instance, "A judge should uphold the law, ensuring justice is served fairly."

Common error

While "should uphold" is widely applicable, avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler phrases like "stick to" or "support" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a tone of formality that may feel out of place in everyday informal exchanges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should uphold" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase, expressing a recommendation, obligation, or expectation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies a duty to maintain or defend a principle, law, or standard. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from legal rulings to ethical standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should uphold" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express an expectation or duty to maintain certain standards, principles, or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is prevalent in news and media, science and formal settings, indicating a generally neutral to professional tone. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and choose "should uphold" when you want to convey the importance of maintaining or defending something established. Consider alternatives such as "must maintain" or "ought to defend" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must maintain

This alternative conveys a sense of obligation or necessity, similar to "should uphold" but stronger.

ought to defend

This suggests a moral imperative to protect something, aligning with the 'uphold' aspect of defending a principle or value.

need to preserve

This focuses on keeping something intact or preventing it from being lost or damaged.

are required to honor

This conveys a formal obligation to respect and adhere to something.

have a duty to safeguard

This emphasizes a responsibility to protect something from harm or threat.

are bound to respect

This expresses a commitment, often legal or moral, to show deference and adherence.

are compelled to sustain

This implies a forceful obligation to keep something going or maintain its existence.

are obliged to advocate

This suggests a duty to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.

must stand by

This conveys loyalty and unwavering support in defending a principle or value.

are expected to champion

This suggests that one is looked upon to actively promote and defend certain ideals.

FAQs

How can I use "should uphold" in a sentence?

You can use "should uphold" to express the idea that someone has a duty or obligation to maintain a standard, principle, or law. For example, "The government "should uphold" the rights of its citizens."

What are some alternatives to "should uphold"?

Alternatives include "must maintain", "ought to defend", or "need to preserve". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "must uphold" or "should uphold"?

"Must uphold" indicates a stronger obligation than "should uphold". "Should uphold" suggests a recommendation or expectation, while "must uphold" implies a requirement or necessity. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of the obligation in your context.

What's the difference between "should uphold" and "should support"?

"Should uphold" suggests maintaining or defending something that already exists, like a law or principle. "Should support" is broader and can mean actively promoting or advocating for something, whether it already exists or not. The government "should uphold" the constitution, and "should support" policies that benefit its citizens.