upholding tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upholding tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of maintaining customs, practices, or beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Example: "The festival is a celebration of our community's heritage, emphasizing the significance of upholding tradition in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 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

Frustrated by what they say is a public misperception that they are bigots in opposing gay marriage, the bishops said they were only upholding tradition.

The New York Times

Upholding tradition, he played straight, nonswinging eighth notes and quarter notes, but placed them so cannily that they made the songs jump.

The New York Times - Arts

That's worth paying attention to, both because you might peg Tauro, based on his demographics, as somebody who'd be swayed by arguments for upholding tradition, and because these are the very same arguments still proffered by the opponents of same-sex marriage.

The New Yorker

There was a tussle, between upholding tradition and hurrahing new additions to the family.

Independent

At the end of the Jubilee celebrations, the queen was accompanied on the balcony at Buckingham Palace only by the first, second and third in line to the throne (Charles, William and Harry) and a couple of wives, rather than the usual massed ranks of hangers-on.The royals have also fallen back on their core competences: saying nothing and upholding tradition.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They're upholding traditions that run deep.

The Guardian

During this period, Reck Club was relieved of its RAT rules enforcement duties and given more wholesome jobs of maintaining the Wreck, upholding traditions, and generating school spirit.

Wikipedia

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

Mr. Atsumi's Tora-san is the man who upholds tradition by living outside of it, who celebrates home by remaining homeless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upholding tradition", ensure the context clearly defines which specific traditions are being maintained to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "upholding tradition" as a blanket justification for practices without considering their current relevance or potential harm. Always critically evaluate the tradition in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upholding tradition" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It describes the act of maintaining or supporting established customs or beliefs. As Ludwig indicates, it's considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upholding tradition" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to convey the act of maintaining established customs and beliefs. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its formality can vary. When using the phrase, it's important to define which traditions are being upheld and critically evaluate their relevance. Alternatives include "preserving tradition" and "maintaining tradition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining tradition

Focuses on the continuation of tradition.

preserving tradition

Emphasizes keeping tradition intact and preventing it from being lost.

honoring tradition

Highlights respect and reverence for tradition.

continuing tradition

Simple and direct way to express the ongoing practice of tradition.

safeguarding tradition

Implies protecting tradition from threats or changes.

sustaining tradition

Focuses on providing the necessary support for tradition to continue.

defending tradition

Suggests actively protecting tradition against opposition.

observing tradition

Highlights the act of following and adhering to tradition.

cherishing tradition

Implies a deep affection and appreciation for tradition.

promoting tradition

Suggests actively encouraging the spread and acceptance of tradition.

FAQs

What does "upholding tradition" mean?

The phrase "upholding tradition" refers to the act of maintaining, supporting, and preserving established customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down through generations. It implies a commitment to honoring and continuing these traditions.

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

You can use "upholding tradition" to describe actions that support long-standing customs. For example: "The community takes pride in "maintaining tradition" by celebrating the annual harvest festival".

What are some alternatives to "upholding tradition"?

Alternatives to "upholding tradition" include "preserving tradition", "honoring tradition", or "maintaining tradition". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "upholding tradition" always a positive thing?

While "upholding tradition" often carries a positive connotation, it's important to critically evaluate the specific tradition. Some traditions may be outdated, harmful, or discriminatory, and blindly "maintaining tradition" without questioning its impact can be detrimental.