uphold tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

"uphold tradition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to continue or maintain a traditional belief, practice, or custom. Example: The government's decision to uphold tradition and keep the annual festival alive was met with great enthusiasm by the local community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To those on usage's ramparts: you uphold tradition.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's one thing to uphold tradition, which is one of the things that makes Sushi Yasuda wonderful.

The New York Times

And Dr. Das's losing battle to uphold tradition faces another setback: a grandson plans to marry a non-Indian Christian from Chicago whom he met at Harvard.

The New York Times

And Dr. Das's losing battle to uphold tradition is about to suffer yet another setback: a grandson plans to marry a non-Indian Christian from Chicago whom he met at Harvard.

The New York Times

In a tumbledown studio here barely big enough for his work and far too small for the magnitude of his crusade, the sculptor John Houser is putting finishing touches on an American monument that he hopes will break records and uphold tradition.

The New York Times

He also thought it highlighted the "idea of justice and the notion of unconditional love" to uphold tradition.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cultural conservatives, Horwitz said, see Putin "as upholding tradition and traditional social arrangements in areas of gender, sexuality, the bounds of speech, and so on".

The New Yorker

It will uphold traditions including a blessing and smashing a bottle over the ship's hull.

BBC

Several societies continue to uphold traditions that subject them to physical, mental and sexual exploitation.

Huffington Post

Broadly, it can be grouped into two categories: codes designed to uphold traditions of a bygone era, and codes designed to push people to defy the everyday.

Vice

"We can uphold traditions but we have to find ways to replace this kind of practice with different rituals," she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uphold tradition", ensure the context clearly identifies which tradition is being maintained. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "uphold tradition" when referring to practices that are harmful or outdated. Ensure the tradition aligns with ethical and progressive values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uphold tradition" functions as a verb phrase where "uphold" is the verb and "tradition" is the object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The verb "uphold" signifies support, maintenance, or defense, while "tradition" refers to customs, beliefs, or practices passed down through generations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uphold tradition" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the act of preserving or maintaining established customs and beliefs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its relevance in discussions about cultural and societal norms. While it conveys a positive sense of respect for the past, it is important to critically evaluate the traditions being upheld. Alternatives such as "preserve customs" or "maintain heritage" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, clarity is key: specify the tradition being upheld and ensure its alignment with ethical values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve customs

Focuses on maintaining customs in their original form.

maintain heritage

Emphasizes the continuation of inherited cultural attributes and historical legacies.

continue practices

Highlights the ongoing nature of specific activities or methods.

sustain conventions

Implies supporting established norms and societal agreements.

keep up customs

Suggests actively working to prevent customs from fading away.

defend cultural norms

Highlights the act of protecting established standards of behavior within a culture.

promote heritage

Shifts focus to actively encouraging the spread and appreciation of cultural inheritance.

safeguard legacy

Emphasizes protecting and ensuring the continuation of valued aspects from the past.

value longstanding practices

Focuses on appreciating and recognizing the importance of long-established behaviors.

respect ancestral ways

Implies honoring and showing deference to the customs and methods of previous generations.

FAQs

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

You can use "uphold tradition" to describe actions that maintain cultural or social customs, such as, "The community strives to "uphold tradition" by celebrating annual festivals".

What are some alternatives to "uphold tradition"?

Alternatives include "preserve customs", "maintain heritage", or "continue practices", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always positive to "uphold tradition"?

Not necessarily. While "upholding tradition" can preserve valuable cultural heritage, it's important to critically evaluate whether the tradition is ethical and beneficial.

What's the difference between "uphold tradition" and "embrace innovation"?

"Uphold tradition" focuses on maintaining existing practices, while "embrace innovation" means adopting new ideas and technologies. They represent contrasting approaches to change and progress.