upholding principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upholding 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 personal beliefs. Example: "The organization is committed to upholding principles of integrity and transparency in all its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Daniel Mathews, who quit the 11-member national council last week, wrote on his blog of a split between "an insider group" which was prepared to strike deals to win power, and those members more concerned about upholding principles.

Independent

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Donovan paid a price for upholding principle.

Independent

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

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

It is important to uphold principles, such as human dignity, but once you start endorsing candidates right and left and addressing questions like how many tanks we should have, you cross that line.

The New Yorker

Islam Online says it wants to present a positive view of the faith to non-Muslims, to strengthen unity in the Muslim world and to uphold principles of justice, freedom and human rights.

The New York Times

These regulations uphold principles relating to club ownership that are widely recognised to be in the interests of the game and have the support of the other football authorities, the government and football supporters generally".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upholding principles", ensure the principles are clearly defined and understood by your audience. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "upholding principles" in contexts where actions clearly contradict the stated principles. This creates a credibility gap and can damage trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upholding principles" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of actively supporting, defending, and maintaining specific values or standards. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upholding principles" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a dedication to maintaining specific values and standards. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use across various contexts. It is commonly found in news, science, and formal business settings, indicating its broad applicability in professional communication. Alternatives like "defending values" or "maintaining standards" can be used to convey similar meanings, while careful consideration of the specific context is essential to ensure clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defending values

Focuses on the act of protecting values from attack or compromise.

Maintaining standards

Emphasizes the preservation of established benchmarks of quality or conduct.

Preserving integrity

Highlights the act of keeping something whole and uncorrupted.

Protecting ideals

Focuses on shielding abstract concepts and aspirations.

Safeguarding ethics

Emphasizes the act of ensuring ethical standards are not violated.

Championing virtues

Highlights active support and promotion of moral excellence.

Honoring commitments

Focuses on fulfilling promises and obligations.

Respecting guidelines

Emphasizes adherence to established protocols and rules.

Supporting convictions

Highlights providing assistance or approval to strongly held beliefs.

Advocating beliefs

Emphasizes the public promotion and defense of certain beliefs.

FAQs

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

Use "upholding principles" to demonstrate a commitment to values like justice, fairness, or integrity. For example, "The organization is dedicated to "upholding principles" of transparency in all its operations".

What are some alternatives to "upholding principles"?

You can use alternatives like "defending values", "maintaining standards", or "preserving integrity" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "upholding principles" in formal writing?

While "upholding principles" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider the specific tone and audience. In some cases, a more specific or nuanced phrase might be more effective.

What's the difference between "upholding principles" and "following rules"?

"Upholding principles" implies a commitment to core values and ethical standards, while "following rules" refers to adhering to specific regulations or guidelines. One is about ethics, the other is about obedience.