uphold the principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold the principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of maintaining or supporting certain values or standards in various contexts, such as ethics, law, or organizational behavior. Example: "As a leader, it is essential to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In an academic setting, there's an obligation to uphold the principles governing that field of study.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But the anticorruption commission must seek to uphold the principles laid down by the Constitution".

The New York Times

But he argued that government lawyers must uphold the principles of their great institutions.

The New York Times

Instead, he had "failed to uphold the principles of the constitution".

The Guardian - Opinion

And we will uphold the principles of justice and right that we strongly believe in.

The Guardian

"He's making an attempt to uphold the principles of good governance and the freedom of the judiciary," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

First, Kuwait must be restored to uphold the principle of sovereignty.

The Economist

We wanted to uphold the principle of the equality of all human beings.

The Guardian

The French-speaking parties uphold the principle of solidarity within a federal state.

The Guardian

But Kureishi said it was important to uphold the principle of free speech: "It's not trivial or silly.

The Guardian

Mr López Obrador's opponents insist they are trying to uphold the principle that nobody should be above the law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uphold the principles" in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical standards or fundamental values.

Common error

Avoid using "uphold the principles" repeatedly in close proximity. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "maintain the standards" or "defend the values" to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold the principles" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of maintaining or defending specific values or standards. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uphold the principles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the importance of maintaining or defending core values and standards. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings. While its meaning is clear, it's advisable to ensure that the principles being upheld are well-defined and that the phrase is used judiciously alongside alternatives like "maintain the standards" or "defend the values" to prevent redundancy. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this phrase, highlighting its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain the standards

Focuses on preserving existing standards, rather than actively supporting principles.

defend the values

Emphasizes protecting values from opposition or threats.

support the ideals

Highlights endorsing and promoting ideals, often with a more aspirational connotation.

preserve the integrity

Centers on maintaining the moral soundness and completeness of something.

safeguard the ethics

Underscores the protection of moral principles and professional standards.

stand by the tenets

Highlights unwavering commitment to core beliefs or doctrines.

honor the commitments

Stresses fulfilling promises and obligations, rather than abstract principles.

respect the guidelines

Focuses on following established rules and recommendations.

observe the regulations

Emphasizes compliance with formal rules and laws.

live by the code

Conveys adhering to a specific set of rules or values in one's daily life.

FAQs

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

You can use "uphold the principles" to emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical standards or fundamental values. For example, "As a leader, it is your duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness."

What are some alternatives to "uphold the principles"?

Alternatives include "maintain the standards", "defend the values", or "support the ideals" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "uphold the principles" or "adhere to the principles"?

"Uphold the principles" suggests a more active role in defending and maintaining those principles, while "adhere to the principles" implies simply following or complying with them. The best choice depends on the context and the level of commitment you want to express.

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

In a professional setting, to "uphold the principles" means to consistently act in accordance with the organization's ethical guidelines, values, and code of conduct. This can involve making decisions that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability, even when faced with difficult choices.