was upheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was upheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a decision, ruling, or law has been confirmed or maintained. Example: "The court's decision was upheld by the appellate court, affirming the original ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The complaint was upheld.

Independent

Due process was upheld.

The New York Times

National honor was upheld.

The New Yorker

The third call was upheld.

The New York Times - Sports

The verdict was upheld.

The Guardian

His conviction was upheld.

The New York Times

The conviction was upheld.

The New York Times

The objection was upheld.

The New York Times - Books

Neither was upheld.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ruling was upheld on review.

The New York Times - Sports

The overall statute, however, was upheld.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was upheld", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported or confirmed, such as a ruling, decision, or principle.

Common error

Avoid using "was upheld" in informal or casual writing. It is generally more appropriate for legal, academic, or formal contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "was supported" or "was agreed upon" may be better choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was upheld" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that a previous action, decision, or ruling has been confirmed or supported by a higher authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was upheld" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that a previous decision, ruling, or principle has been confirmed or supported. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is most appropriate for formal contexts such as legal, academic, or news reporting. While alternatives like "was sustained" or "was affirmed" can be used, it's important to maintain the appropriate register and consider the specific nuances of each alternative. Understanding the context and avoiding misuse in informal settings will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was sustained

Emphasizes the idea of something being maintained or supported over time.

was affirmed

Highlights the act of confirming something, often a decision or judgment.

was validated

Focuses on establishing the correctness or legitimacy of something.

was ratified

Implies formal approval or confirmation, often in a legal or political context.

was maintained

Stresses the continuation of a particular condition or state of affairs.

was supported

Indicates that something received backing or justification.

was defended

Suggests that something was protected or argued for against opposition.

was endorsed

Implies approval and support, often publicly.

was legitimized

Highlights the act of making something lawful or acceptable.

was corroborated

Focuses on providing evidence to support the truth or accuracy of something.

FAQs

How is "was upheld" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "was upheld" is used to indicate that a decision, ruling, or principle has been confirmed or supported by a higher authority or through continued practice. For example: "The court's decision "was upheld" by the appellate court".

What are some alternatives to "was upheld"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was sustained", "was affirmed", or "was validated" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "is upheld" instead of "was upheld"?

The choice between "is upheld" and "was upheld" depends on the tense of the sentence. "Was upheld" is used when referring to a past event or decision that has already been confirmed. "Is upheld" would be used for something that is currently being maintained or supported.

What's the difference between "was upheld" and "was overturned"?

"Was upheld" means that a previous decision or ruling has been confirmed and maintained. In contrast, "was overturned" means that a previous decision has been reversed or invalidated.