uphold the right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uphold the right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of maintaining or supporting a particular right or principle, often in legal or ethical contexts. Example: "As a society, we must strive to uphold the right to free speech for all individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The governor has the constitutional duty to uphold the right to life".

The New York Times

So deliberate, uphold the right one, and strike down the rest.

The New Yorker

He urged participants to uphold the right of girls to attend school.

The New York Times

Abortion rights groups said the statement overstepped rulings by the Supreme Court that uphold the right to abortion.

The New York Times

"I went to court to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work.

The New York Times

If well-intentioned people in the West, and elsewhere, uphold the right to protect, why is it so seldom exercised?

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He forecast that the Wisconsin supreme court would uphold the right-to-work law, saying the court was generally more partisan than Indiana's.

The Guardian

But, he continues, as it "tweaks the attitudes and behaviors of the past, 'Down With Love' is careful to uphold the right-thinking norms of the present, denying the audience the pleasures of subversion and satire".

The New York Times

As it tweaks the attitudes and behaviors of the past, "Down With Love" is careful to uphold the right-thinking norms of the present, denying the audience the pleasures of subversion and satire and managing, in spite of its knowing good cheer, to be less sophisticated than what it imitates.

The New York Times

This latest campaign to uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution has not done the A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

In late September he received the first Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize for his "tireless work to uphold the rights of citizens".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uphold the right", specify which right you are referring to for clarity and to avoid ambiguity. For example, "uphold the right to free speech".

Common error

Avoid using "uphold the right" in overly abstract or vague contexts. Ensure that the right being upheld is clearly defined and has practical implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold the right" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically used to express the act of supporting, maintaining, or defending a specific legal, moral, or ethical entitlement. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is considered correct and appropriate for usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uphold the right" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for emphasizing the importance of defending and maintaining specific rights. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specifying which right is being upheld enhances its impact. While authoritative, avoid overuse in abstract contexts to ensure relevance. Alternative phrases such as "defend the right" or "protect the right" can add nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defend the right

Focuses on actively protecting the right from attack or violation.

protect the right

Emphasizes safeguarding the right to ensure it remains secure.

safeguard the right

Highlights the preservation and security of the right.

preserve the right

Stresses maintaining the right in its current state for the future.

support the right

Indicates active endorsement and promotion of the right.

promote the right

Emphasizes advocating for the right and raising awareness.

ensure the right

Focuses on guaranteeing that the right is accessible and available.

maintain the right

Stresses the importance of keeping the right in effect.

stand up for the right

Implies taking a firm stance in defense of the right.

champion the right

Suggests vigorously advocating for and supporting the right.

FAQs

How to use "uphold the right" in a sentence?

You can use "uphold the right" to emphasize the importance of supporting and maintaining a specific right. For example, "The court must uphold the right to a fair trial".

What can I say instead of "uphold the right"?

You can use alternatives like "defend the right", "protect the right", or "safeguard the right" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "uphold the right" or "uphold the rights"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Uphold the right" refers to a specific right, while "uphold the rights" refers to multiple rights or rights in general. For example, "uphold the right to free speech" vs. "uphold the rights of all citizens".

What's the difference between "uphold the right" and "exercise the right"?

"Uphold the right" means to support and defend a right, ensuring it is maintained and respected. "Exercise the right" means to make use of a right that one possesses. For example, a government might "uphold the right" to free speech, while citizens "exercise the right" to express their opinions.