uphold authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of maintaining or supporting a system of authority or leadership. Example: "In order to maintain order within the organization, it is essential to uphold authority among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Foucault maintains that all socially-constructed hierarchal systems demand forms of surveillance, whether actual or imaginary, to preserve dominant and subordinate positions according to those upholding authority or power.

Huffington Post

"The construction breached national and local planning rules designed to protect the green belt, which local authorities like ours have a duty to uphold," the authority said in a statement.

BBC

On Iraq, he said that it was important to uphold the authority of the UN.

The Guardian

Two members of that coalition, Justices Anthony M. Kennedy and Antonin Scalia, voted this time to uphold federal authority.

The New York Times

For my money, UEFA is charging the wrong person if it wishes to uphold the authority of the match officials.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon after capturing Tashkent, General Mikhail Chernyayev entered an elaborate compact with local religious scholars, guaranteeing to uphold their authority, and that of other Muslim institutions, such as mosques and charities.

The Economist

Lacking flexibility or imagination, he was unable to understand that those political deceits that he always practiced in increasingly vain attempts to uphold his authority eventually impugned his honour and damaged his credit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The UK government claimed to act on behalf of the international community, the report states, "to uphold the authority of the security council knowing that it did not have a majority in the security council in support of such actions.

The Guardian

Blix called claims by Condoleezza Rice, the then US secretary of state, that Washington's policy was one of trying to uphold the authority of the UN security council as "totally absurd".

The Guardian

In those days, the five most conservative justices voted in case after case on the states' rights side, while the four more liberal justices voted to uphold national authority.

The New York Times

We were going to war "to uphold the authority of the United Nations", the government said, meanwhile rubbishing the objections of other security council members and initiating military force without any UN Resolution specifically to authorise it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "uphold authority", ensure that the context clearly defines whose or what authority is being supported. For instance, specify "uphold the authority of the court" or "uphold parental authority."

Common error

Avoid using "uphold authority" without specifying the scope or legitimacy of that authority. Unclear or unquestioned support for authority can lead to unintended endorsements of unjust or oppressive systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold authority" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "uphold" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (in this case, "authority"). It describes the action of maintaining, supporting, or defending a system of power or leadership.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uphold authority" is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize the importance of supporting or maintaining power structures. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, its specific tone and connotation depend on the context in which it is used. Remember to always specify the specific authority you are talking about and what kind of authority it is. Related phrases include "maintain authority", "preserve authority", and "defend authority".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain authority

Focuses on the continuous aspect of keeping authority in place.

Sustain authority

Emphasizes the ability to keep authority going over time.

Preserve authority

Highlights the act of protecting authority from being diminished or lost.

Defend authority

Stresses the active protection of authority against challenges or threats.

Support authority

Indicates providing assistance or backing to the existing authority.

Enforce authority

Emphasizes the act of ensuring that rules and commands of authority are obeyed.

Safeguard authority

Underscores the protection of authority, often implying a proactive approach.

Reinforce authority

Highlights strengthening or enhancing the existing authority.

Uphold the rule of law

Broader in scope than authority, focusing on the legal system.

Respect authority

Implies showing deference and obedience to established authority figures or systems.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The judge is responsible to "uphold authority" of the court", or "Citizens should "uphold authority" of the law".

What phrases are similar to "uphold authority"?

Similar phrases include "maintain authority", "preserve authority", and "defend authority".

Is it always positive to "uphold authority"?

Not necessarily. The act of "upholding authority" can be viewed negatively if the authority is corrupt or unjust. Consider the ethical implications in context.

What is the difference between "uphold authority" and "exercise authority"?

"Uphold authority" means to support or maintain existing power, while "exercise authority" refers to the act of using the power one possesses.