to uphold values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to uphold values" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase in situations when you wish to describe someone or something that is committed to maintaining and living by certain codes of ethics, morals, or beliefs. For example, "As a politician, he is committed to upholding values of integrity and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Because I have come to the conclusion that I cannot continue to campaign to uphold values of fairness, freedom and openness from within the Liberal Democrats under its current leadership.

The Guardian

There is nothing wrong about wanting to uphold values like gender equality and democracy, and it makes sense to do so in these kind of terms.

Vice

But the entertainment industry, which is sometimes accused of resorting to situational ethics when the box office is at stake, says it's seeking to uphold values of its own.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We fight alongside you to uphold our values, the values that we share," he said.

BBC

He continues, "As head of state today, I believe it's my duty to uphold traditional values and family values.

Huffington Post

"All visas issued to non-British citizens will contain a summary of British values, and a commitment to uphold those values.

The Guardian

"Its roots lie in celebrating the emancipation of slavery and it has high artistic values, but it is a struggle to uphold those values when it is so underfunded".

The Guardian

Moynihan said: "The BOA selection policy is a direct expression of the commitment British athletes have made to uphold the values of fair play, integrity and clean competition – values that are at the heart of Olympic sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Kerry Patton, a combat dIfabled veteran, is author of Christian Conservativesecret wishiors.

Huffington Post

It should be a good time to uphold Western values.

The Economist

That goal, he said, is to uphold American values.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to uphold values" when you want to express a commitment to maintaining or defending important principles, especially in the face of challenges or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "to uphold values" as a generic phrase. Instead, specify which values are being upheld to provide clarity and impact. For example, instead of "the company strives to uphold values", use "the company strives to uphold values of sustainability and ethical sourcing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to uphold values" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the act of maintaining or defending certain codes of ethics, morals, or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to uphold values" signifies a commitment to maintaining or defending important principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting its function in expressing dedication to specific codes of ethics, morals, or beliefs. While the phrase itself is relatively rare, as seen in Ludwig's examples, it finds frequent use in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, specifying the values being upheld enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives like "to defend principles" or "to preserve standards" can provide nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to defend principles

Focuses on active protection rather than maintenance.

to preserve standards

Emphasizes maintaining established norms.

to champion ideals

Highlights promoting and advocating for values.

to safeguard ethics

Focuses specifically on protecting ethical considerations.

to maintain integrity

Emphasizes the importance of keeping a state of moral soundness.

to support morals

Highlights the backing and encouragement of moral principles.

to promote virtues

Focuses on encouraging and popularizing positive qualities.

to protect beliefs

Centers on shielding and defending strongly held convictions.

to foster ideals

Emphasizes cultivating and nurturing important principles.

to cultivate principles

Highlights the active nurturing and development of core beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "to uphold values" in a sentence?

You can use "to uphold values" to describe the act of defending or maintaining important principles. For example, "The organization is dedicated "to uphold values" of fairness and equality".

What are some alternatives to "to uphold values"?

Alternatives include "to defend principles", "to preserve standards", or "to champion ideals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "uphold values" or "maintain values"?

"Uphold" suggests actively defending values, while "maintain" suggests keeping them in their current state. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize active protection or consistent preservation.

Which values are commonly associated with the phrase "to uphold values"?

Commonly associated values include moral values, ethical values, traditional values, democratic values, and personal values. The specific values depend on the context.