uphold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining or supporting a principle, law, or decision. Example: "The court decided to uphold the previous ruling, emphasizing the importance of justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The report concluded there was "no credible evidence" to uphold complaints by Duggan's family that police had relocated the firearm in the sock, that officer V53 did not fire live shots in the belief Duggan was pointing a firearm at him, and that he did not use lawful force.

The Guardian

"The conduct displayed by these individuals was appalling, deeply troubling, and did not meet the high standards that all of our sworn police officers vow to uphold," the statement said.

The Guardian

The Riddell principles were easy to uphold in 13 of the last 15 elections.

The Guardian

Thatcher told MacGregor in March 1984, according to the documents: "It was essential to stiffen the resolve of chief constables to ensure that they fulfilled their duty to uphold the law".

The Guardian

He called on Moscow to uphold an earlier cease-fire agreement, which calls for withdrawing its support for the separatists and persuading them to release hostages.

The Guardian

In later remarks, Stubb described freedom of movement as a "rather sacred" principle that Finland was determined to uphold while trying to allay British concerns.

The Guardian

So it will be up to the judges in Turin to either convict a troublesome poet or uphold the principle of free speech so recently championed in Paris by politicians of all stripes.

The Guardian - Opinion

12.18pm: Legal eagles have suspected for years now that Justice Antonin Scalia, based on record of opinions related to the Commerce Clause, might vote to uphold the PPACA.

The Guardian

Put another way: several of the five conservatives justices, only one of whom will be needed to uphold the law as the four liberals seem firmly in support, wanted Verrilli to give them concrete reasons for how requiring individuals to purchase health insurance or else face a financial penalty is a case unique to health care markets that won't set a precedent in others.

The Guardian

Vinter, and convicted murderers Jeremy Bamber and Peter Moore, have now launched an appeal against the decision to uphold their whole-life sentences at the European court of human rights.

The Guardian

"The local council does have a responsibility to uphold housing standards but a problem is that there's not enough funding in the councils so a lot of these things go unnoticed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uphold" when you want to convey the idea of actively supporting or maintaining a principle, law, or standard. It often implies a sense of duty or commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "uphold" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "support" or "maintain" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Uphold primarily functions as a transitive verb. It signifies actively maintaining, defending, or supporting something, such as a law, principle, or decision. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis, which identifies it as a verb. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts where institutions or individuals are expected to actively support established norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uphold" is a versatile verb primarily used to express the act of maintaining, supporting, or defending a principle, law, or standard. As verified by Ludwig AI, it carries a sense of duty and commitment, making it suitable for formal contexts such as legal, political, and ethical discussions. While alternatives like "maintain" or "support" exist, "uphold" often implies a more active and deliberate effort to preserve established norms. It is frequently found in news and formal business settings, indicating its relevance in conveying the importance of upholding values and regulations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain

Focuses on keeping something in its current state.

support

Emphasizes providing assistance or approval.

defend

Highlights protecting something from attack or criticism.

preserve

Suggests keeping something intact over time.

stand by

Implies loyalty and commitment to something.

abide by

Focuses on adhering to rules or agreements.

stick to

Emphasizes remaining faithful to a commitment.

validate

Confirms the correctness or legitimacy of something.

reinforce

Strengthens or supports an existing idea or structure.

advocate

Publicly recommends or supports a particular cause or policy.

FAQs

How can I use "uphold" in a sentence?

You can use "uphold" to describe supporting a decision, principle, or law. For example, "The court decided to "uphold" the previous ruling, emphasizing the importance of justice".

What are some alternatives to the word "uphold"?

Alternatives to "uphold" include "maintain", "support", or "defend", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "uphold"?

"Uphold" is best used in formal contexts when discussing principles, laws, or standards that require active support or defense. It is common in legal, political, and ethical discussions.

Is there a difference between "uphold" and "support"?

While both words indicate agreement or approval, "uphold" often carries a stronger sense of duty and active maintenance, while "support" can be more general and passive.