uphold freedom of expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold freedom of expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of protecting individuals' rights to express their thoughts and opinions freely. Example: "In a democratic society, it is essential to uphold freedom of expression to ensure that diverse voices are heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This bill, if implemented, would have a chilling effect on public debate and contravene France's international obligation to uphold freedom of expression," said Nicola Duckworth of Amnesty International.

The New York Times

"It's not only a violation of Iranian law, but a violation of Iran's obligation to uphold freedom of expression," said Elahe Hicks, a representative of Human Rights Watch in New York who is on a research mission in Iran.

The New York Times

In 1944 he published An International Bill of the Rights of Man, which advocated an international legal body that would overcome the "omnipotence of the state" and subject it to basic and legally enforceable requirements to uphold freedom of expression, assembly, religion, privacy and much more besides.

The Guardian - Books

The nominees for Best Foreign Language Film penned a joint letter, dedicating the award to "all the people, artists, journalists and activists who are working to foster unity and understanding, and who uphold freedom of expression and human dignity — values whose protection is now more important than ever".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The constitution upholds freedom of expression but prohibits defamation of the country and the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I recognize the enormous importance of upholding freedom of expression and the right of the press to publish," the judge said in her ruling.

The New York Times

While the ruling mainly concerned article 8, which protects privacy, it also expressed openness to applications from gay soldiers under article 10, which upholds freedom of expression.

The Economist

Using them, we can create a place of artistic beauty, joy, togetherness and tolerance; an arts centre that upholds freedom of expression, where artists work with dignity and audiences can appreciate our rich diversity of cultures.

The Guardian - Arts

It has been uncommon until now for UK universities, which regard themselves as liberal bastions upholding freedom of expression, to involve outside authorities – essentially the state – in their internal governance.

The Guardian

We knew it was a provocative act, but we felt it was a necessary one, because India has a poor record on upholding freedom of expression and we needed to show that threats would not silence us.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Hughes said a balance must be struck between upholding freedom of expression and the right to privacy, "We welcome the support of the Lords for our position in negotiating new European data protection legislation," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract rights, use "uphold freedom of expression" to convey a sense of active protection and maintenance, especially in legal or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "uphold freedom of expression" in everyday conversation; it's more suitable for formal writing and discussions. In less formal settings, consider alternatives like "respecting opinions" or "allowing free speech."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold freedom of expression" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating an action (uphold) directed towards a concept (freedom of expression). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used to describe the act of supporting and protecting this right.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uphold freedom of expression" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedia and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It signifies the act of actively protecting and maintaining the right to express one's thoughts and opinions. While alternatives like "protect freedom of speech" or "defend freedom of expression" exist, "uphold freedom of expression" carries a formal tone suitable for official discussions and written communications, especially on legal, political, and social matters. Overusing the phrase in everyday conversation may be perceived as unnatural, so using alternatives is best. Prominent sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times frequently employ the phrase, underscoring its prevalence in reputable media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ensure freedom of expression

Highlights the necessity to guarantee the right to express one's views without censorship.

Protect freedom of speech

Focuses on safeguarding the right to speak freely.

Safeguard freedom of speech

Focuses on shielding and preserving the ability to express one's ideas.

Guarantee freedom of speech

Emphasizes ensuring the right of individuals to articulate their opinions without government intervention.

Defend freedom of expression

Emphasizes actively defending this right against threats.

Support freedom of speech

Highlights the act of providing assistance and encouragement to freedom of speech.

Respect freedom of opinion

Focuses on valuing diverse viewpoints.

Promote freedom of thought

Focuses on encouraging an open and tolerant society with diverse perspectives.

Value free expression

Focuses on the importance of free exchange of ideas and creative expression.

Champion freedom of thought

Implies actively promoting an environment where diverse ideas and viewpoints are welcome and respected.

FAQs

How can I use "uphold freedom of expression" in a sentence?

You can use "uphold freedom of expression" to emphasize the importance of protecting the right to express oneself, such as, "The government has a responsibility to "uphold freedom of expression", even when the views expressed are unpopular."

What's the difference between "uphold freedom of expression" and "support freedom of speech"?

"Uphold freedom of expression" implies actively maintaining and protecting this right, often in a formal or official capacity. "Support freedom of speech" is broader and can include actions like advocating for free speech or donating to organizations that promote it.

What can I say instead of "uphold freedom of expression"?

You can use alternatives like "protect freedom of speech", "defend freedom of expression", or "ensure freedom of expression" depending on the context.

Is "upholding freedom of expression" grammatically correct?

Yes, "upholding freedom of expression" is grammatically correct. The gerund form "upholding" functions as a noun in a sentence, such as in the phrase "Upholding freedom of expression is crucial for a democratic society."