uphold principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of maintaining or supporting certain ethical or moral standards. Example: "As a leader, it is essential to uphold principles of integrity and transparency in all decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That's the only way to uphold principles in Trump's America.

The Washington Post

When you have to make a public vow, it's a way to commit to uphold principles".

The New York Times

In the administration's brief, Solicitor General Paul D. Clement urged the justices to uphold "principles of judicial restraint" by rejecting the facial challenge.

The New York Times

Still, the terms of the appeal bond should not be struck down to ameliorate states' fiscal crises, but rather to uphold principles of due process.

The New York Times

Union officials are confronting troubles of their own: in June, they fought not only with the administration but also with each other as they sought to stave off layoffs and uphold principles of collective action.

The New York Times

Having agreed that decommissioning would occur as part of the resolution of Northern Ireland's sectarian conflict, the IRA's political representatives swore to uphold principles of nonviolence and were included in the multiparty talks beginning in September 1997.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Business may be more efficient than government, but it is less suited to upholding principles.

The New Yorker

Behavior Research Methods is committed to upholding principles of integrity in scientific publishing and practice.

Springer

Attention Perception & Psychophysics, a journal of The Psychonomic Society, is committed to upholding principles of integrity in scientific publishing and practice.

Springer

Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, a journal of The Psychonomic Society, is committed to upholding principles of integrity in scientific publishing and practice.

Springer

Combating digital censorship and surveillance, expanding access for all, upholding principles of net neutrality and limiting liability for journalists and activists like Jiew.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uphold principles" in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical standards or core values, especially in leadership or organizational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "uphold principles" without specifying which principles are being upheld. This can make your statement sound empty or insincere. Always provide context or examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold principles" functions as a verb phrase, where "uphold" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object, which in this case is "principles". It expresses the act of supporting, defending, and maintaining certain values or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uphold principles" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies the act of maintaining and defending core values. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. While not overly common, it appears in varied contexts, most frequently within news media, underscoring its relevance in discussions about ethics, governance, and personal conduct. When employing the phrase, it's advisable to explicitly state which principles are being referenced. Alternative phrases include "maintain standards", "defend values", and "stand by ethics". In summary, "uphold principles" is best suited for scenarios that demand clarity and a firm commitment to ethical foundations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain standards

Focuses on maintaining existing standards rather than actively supporting principles.

defend values

Emphasizes protecting values from attack or compromise.

stand by ethics

Highlights ethical considerations and unwavering support.

preserve integrity

Focuses on maintaining wholeness and moral soundness.

support ideals

Highlights abstract ideals rather than concrete principles.

promote virtues

Emphasizes the active promotion of positive character traits.

champion beliefs

Implies a passionate and vocal advocacy for beliefs.

honor commitments

Focuses on fulfilling obligations and promises.

respect guidelines

Highlights adherence to established rules and procedures.

practice morality

Focuses on the practical application of moral principles in daily life.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "uphold principles" in a sentence?

To effectively use "uphold principles", clearly state which principles are being upheld and why they are important. For example, "As a judge, I must "uphold principles" of justice and fairness."

What are some alternatives to "uphold principles"?

Alternatives to "uphold principles" include "maintain standards", "defend values", or "stand by ethics", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Uphold principles" implies a more active and assertive stance in defending those principles. "Maintain principles" suggests keeping them in their current state. The best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to "uphold principles" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, to "uphold principles" means to consistently act in accordance with the organization's core values and ethical guidelines. This could involve making difficult decisions that prioritize integrity over short-term gains.