The verb “uphold” carries significant weight in the English language, often associated with principles, laws, and values. Understanding how to use “uphold” correctly is crucial for clear and effective communication, particularly in formal and professional contexts.
This article provides a detailed exploration of the verb “uphold,” covering its definition, grammatical structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and practical exercises. Whether you’re an English language learner, a student, or a professional seeking to refine your writing skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “uphold” accurately and appropriately.
This comprehensive guide will benefit anyone aiming to improve their command of the English language, especially those who frequently engage in legal, ethical, or formal discussions. By mastering the nuances of “uphold,” you can enhance the precision and impact of your communication, ensuring that your message is conveyed with clarity and authority.
Table of Contents
- 1. Definition of “Uphold”
- 2. Structural Breakdown
- 3. Types or Categories of Usage
- 4. Examples of “Uphold” in Sentences
- 5. Usage Rules
- 6. Common Mistakes
- 7. Practice Exercises
- 8. Advanced Topics
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10. Conclusion
1. Definition of “Uphold”
The verb “uphold” primarily means to support or defend something, especially a principle, law, or decision. It implies maintaining or preserving the validity or effectiveness of something. “Uphold” suggests a commitment to stand by something, even in the face of opposition or challenges. It can also mean to confirm or maintain a lower court’s decision by a higher court.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the definition:
- Support: To give assistance to; to defend.
- Defend: To resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.
- Maintain: To cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue.
- Confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed, suspected, or feared to be the case).
The word “uphold” often carries a sense of moral or legal obligation. It is frequently used in contexts involving justice, ethics, and governance.
For example, a judge might uphold a law, a citizen might uphold their values, or a company might uphold its ethical standards.
2. Structural Breakdown
The verb “uphold” is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. The basic structure of a sentence using “uphold” is:
Subject + Uphold + Object
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Subject: The person or entity performing the action of upholding. This could be a person, a group, an institution, or even an abstract concept.
- Uphold: The verb itself, which can be conjugated in various tenses (e.g., uphold, upholds, upheld, upholding).
- Object: The thing being upheld. This is typically a noun or noun phrase representing a law, principle, right, agreement, or value.
Examples of this structure in action:
- The court (subject) upheld (verb) the decision (object).
- We (subject) must uphold (verb) our values (object).
- The organization (subject) upheld (verb) its commitment (object).
The verb “uphold” can also be used in passive voice constructions. In the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject.
For example:
Object + Is/Are/Was/Were + Uphold + -ed/En + By + Subject
Example:
- The decision (object) was upheld (verb) by the court (subject).
Understanding these structural elements is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences using “uphold.”
3. Types or Categories of Usage
The verb “uphold” can be categorized based on the type of object it takes. Here are some common categories:
3.1. Upholding Laws and Regulations
This category refers to the act of supporting and maintaining the validity of legal rules and guidelines. It often involves courts, governments, and law enforcement agencies.
3.2. Upholding Principles and Values
This involves standing by moral or ethical beliefs, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. It often reflects personal integrity and commitment to a certain code of conduct.
3.3. Upholding Agreements and Promises
This refers to honoring commitments made to others, whether they are formal contracts or informal promises. It emphasizes trustworthiness and reliability.
3.4. Upholding Rights and Freedoms
This involves protecting and defending the fundamental entitlements of individuals, such as freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and other civil liberties.
3.5. Upholding Beliefs and Traditions
This involves maintaining cultural or religious customs, practices, and convictions. It reflects a desire to preserve heritage and identity.
4. Examples of “Uphold” in Sentences
To illustrate the various ways “uphold” can be used, here are several example sentences categorized by the types discussed above.
4.1. Upholding Laws and Regulations
This table provides examples of how “uphold” is used in the context of laws and regulations. The sentences demonstrate the verb’s role in emphasizing the importance of maintaining and enforcing legal standards.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The judge swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. |
| 2 | It is the duty of law enforcement to uphold the law. |
| 3 | The Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision. |
| 4 | The government is committed to upholding international treaties. |
| 5 | The organization works to uphold environmental regulations. |
| 6 | The company was fined for failing to uphold safety standards. |
| 7 | The police are responsible for upholding public order. |
| 8 | The council voted to uphold the new zoning ordinance. |
| 9 | The president vowed to uphold the nation’s laws. |
| 10 | The regulatory agency ensures that businesses uphold industry standards. |
| 11 | The court must uphold the principle of equal justice under law. |
| 12 | The lawyers argued that the ruling upheld established legal precedent. |
| 13 | Citizens have a responsibility to uphold the principles of democracy. |
| 14 | The university aims to uphold academic integrity. |
| 15 | The referee is there to uphold the rules of the game. |
| 16 | The security guards uphold the building’s safety protocols. |
| 17 | The organization was created to uphold the rights of consumers. |
| 18 | The ethics committee is responsible for upholding professional conduct. |
| 19 | The community came together to uphold local ordinances. |
| 20 | The inspectors were tasked with upholding building codes. |
| 21 | They fought tirelessly to uphold the legal framework of the country. |
| 22 | The judge’s decision to uphold the appeal was met with controversy. |
| 23 | The new legislation aims to uphold stricter environmental protection measures. |
| 24 | The purpose of this institution is to uphold the integrity of the financial markets. |
| 25 | The association works diligently to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct among its members. |
4.2. Upholding Principles and Values
This table illustrates the use of “uphold” in the context of principles and values. These sentences demonstrate the importance of adhering to ethical and moral standards, showcasing personal and collective commitment to these principles.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | She always tries to uphold her personal values. |
| 2 | He believes it’s important to uphold honesty in all dealings. |
| 3 | The company strives to uphold the highest ethical standards. |
| 4 | We must uphold the principles of justice and equality. |
| 5 | They are determined to uphold their moral code. |
| 6 | The foundation was created to uphold human dignity. |
| 7 | It is essential to uphold the value of hard work. |
| 8 | The community is dedicated to upholding traditional values. |
| 9 | The leader called on his followers to uphold their beliefs. |
| 10 | The professor encouraged his students to uphold academic honesty. |
| 11 | The organization aims to uphold the principles of fair trade. |
| 12 | They are committed to upholding the values of freedom and democracy. |
| 13 | It is our responsibility to uphold the principles of environmental sustainability. |
| 14 | The family has always strived to uphold a strong sense of unity. |
| 15 | The team worked together to uphold their reputation for excellence. |
| 16 | The school emphasizes the importance of upholding respect and tolerance. |
| 17 | The charity focuses on upholding the rights of marginalized communities. |
| 18 | The museum seeks to uphold the cultural heritage of the region. |
| 19 | The movement is dedicated to upholding the principles of non-violence. |
| 20 | The institution strives to uphold the highest standards of research integrity. |
| 21 | She firmly believes in upholding the principles of integrity and fairness in all her dealings. |
| 22 | The company is committed to upholding the values of sustainability and ethical business practices. |
| 23 | It is crucial to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. |
| 24 | He vowed to uphold the values of compassion and empathy in his role as a community leader. |
| 25 | They strive to uphold the core values of honesty, respect, and responsibility in their daily lives. |
4.3. Upholding Agreements and Promises
This table presents examples that focus on “uphold” in the context of agreements and promises. These sentences highlight the importance of keeping commitments and maintaining trust through adherence to agreed-upon terms.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | He promised to uphold his end of the bargain. |
| 2 | The company is committed to upholding the terms of the contract. |
| 3 | They will uphold the agreement they made with their partners. |
| 4 | The government must uphold its commitments to international aid. |
| 5 | She intends to uphold her promise to support the project. |
| 6 | The organization strives to uphold its pledges to donors. |
| 7 | It is important to uphold the spirit of the treaty. |
| 8 | The team worked hard to uphold their reputation for reliability. |
| 9 | The community trusts them to uphold their responsibilities. |
| 10 | The institution is dedicated to upholding its mission statement. |
| 11 | The organization vowed to uphold the principles outlined in its charter. |
| 12 | They are committed to upholding the confidentiality agreement. |
| 13 | It is our duty to uphold the terms of the peace agreement. |
| 14 | The family has always strived to uphold their commitment to each other. |
| 15 | The school administration promised to uphold the rights of all students. |
| 16 | The charity focuses on upholding its promise to deliver aid to those in need. |
| 17 | The museum seeks to uphold its commitment to preserving historical artifacts. |
| 18 | The movement is dedicated to upholding its promises to its supporters. |
| 19 | The research team strives to uphold the standards of scientific integrity. |
| 20 | The business is dedicated to upholding its guarantees of customer satisfaction. |
| 21 | The company is legally bound to uphold the terms of the service agreement. |
| 22 | As a man of his word, he always strives to uphold the promises he makes. |
| 23 | The mediator’s role is to ensure that both parties uphold the settlement agreement. |
| 24 | They are determined to uphold the contractual obligations, regardless of the challenges. |
| 25 | The foundation aims to uphold its promise to provide scholarships for underprivileged students. |
4.4. Upholding Rights and Freedoms
This table provides examples of using “uphold” in the context of rights and freedoms. These sentences emphasize the importance of protecting and defending the fundamental entitlements of individuals and groups.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The court is responsible for upholding the rights of the accused. |
| 2 | We must uphold freedom of speech for all citizens. |
| 3 | The organization works to uphold human rights around the world. |
| 4 | It is our duty to uphold the principles of equality and justice. |
| 5 | The government is committed to upholding the rights of minorities. |
| 6 | The foundation was established to uphold the rights of children. |
| 7 | The activists are fighting to uphold the rights of indigenous peoples. |
| 8 | The legal team is dedicated to upholding the rights of immigrants. |
| 9 | The community is determined to uphold the rights of all its members. |
| 10 | The international community must uphold the principles of humanitarian law. |
| 11 | The school administration is committed to upholding the rights of students with disabilities. |
| 12 | The civil rights movement fought to uphold the rights of African Americans. |
| 13 | The organization aims to uphold the rights of women and girls around the world. |
| 14 | The lawyers are dedicated to upholding the rights of workers in the workplace. |
| 15 | The media plays a crucial role in upholding freedom of the press. |
| 16 | The constitution serves to uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. |
| 17 | As advocates for justice, they tirelessly work to uphold the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. |
| 18 | The purpose of the human rights commission is to uphold and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background. |
| 19 | He dedicated his career to upholding the civil liberties and democratic principles enshrined in the nation’s laws. |
| 20 | They believe it is their moral obligation to uphold the rights of future generations to a healthy and sustainable environment. |
| 21 | The organization is devoted to upholding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring they receive fair treatment and protection. |
| 22 | The activists are determined to uphold the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, fighting against discrimination and promoting equality. |
| 23 | The lawyers are committed to upholding the rights of consumers, advocating for fair business practices and consumer protection laws. |
| 24 | The international court was established to uphold the principles of international law and prosecute those who commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. |
| 25 | The journalists risk their lives to uphold freedom of the press, reporting on corruption and injustice in the face of threats and intimidation. |
4.5. Upholding Beliefs and Traditions
This table provides examples that illustrate the use of “uphold” in the context of beliefs and traditions. These sentences highlight the act of preserving and maintaining cultural, religious, or personal convictions and practices.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | They are determined to uphold their cultural traditions. |
| 2 | The community strives to uphold its religious beliefs. |
| 3 | She is committed to upholding her family’s values. |
| 4 | The organization works to uphold its founding principles. |
| 5 | It is important to uphold the spirit of the holiday. |
| 6 | The group is dedicated to upholding its heritage. |
| 7 | The museum seeks to uphold the artistic traditions of the region. |
| 8 | The school emphasizes the importance of upholding its values. |
| 9 | The movement is dedicated to upholding its ideals. |
| 10 | The research team strives to uphold the standards of scientific inquiry. |
| 11 | The elders of the tribe work diligently to uphold the ancient customs and rituals passed down through generations. |
| 12 | They are dedicated to upholding their religious beliefs and practices, even in the face of societal challenges. |
| 13 | The family is committed to upholding its cherished traditions, celebrating holidays and milestones with cultural significance. |
| 14 | The organization strives to uphold its founding principles of social justice and equality, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. |
| 15 | The community comes together each year to uphold the spirit of the festival, honoring its cultural heritage and celebrating its unique identity. |
| 16 | The museum is dedicated to upholding the artistic traditions of the region, preserving and showcasing the works of local artists and artisans. |
| 17 | The school emphasizes the importance of upholding its values of integrity, respect, and responsibility, shaping students into ethical and conscientious citizens. |
| 18 | The movement is committed to upholding its ideals of peace, non-violence, and social change, advocating for a more just and equitable world. |
| 19 | The research team strives to uphold the standards of scientific inquiry, conducting rigorous experiments and publishing accurate and reliable findings. |
| 20 | The business is dedicated to upholding its commitment to customer satisfaction, providing exceptional service and ensuring that customers are always happy with their purchases. |
| 21 | The society was formed to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice. |
| 22 | Many choose to uphold their traditional wedding customs, rich with cultural significance. |
| 23 | She vowed to uphold her faith, regardless of the challenges she faced. |
| 24 | The villagers came together to uphold their ancestral traditions. |
| 25 | They decided to uphold the age-old custom of celebrating the harvest. |
5. Usage Rules
Here are some key rules to remember when using “uphold”:
- Transitive Verb: “Uphold” always requires a direct object. You must specify what is being upheld.
- Tense Consistency: Ensure that the tense of “uphold” is consistent with the rest of the sentence and the context. For example, use “upheld” for past actions and “upholds” for present habits or customs.
- Formal Context: “Uphold” often appears in formal or official contexts, such as legal documents, speeches, and formal writing.
- Strong Commitment: The verb implies a strong commitment or dedication to the object being upheld.
- Passive Voice: As discussed earlier, “uphold” can be used in the passive voice to shift the focus to the object being upheld.
Example of correct and incorrect usage:
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| The court upheld the law. | The court upheld. (Missing object) |
| She upholds her values. | She uphold her values. (Incorrect verb form) |
It’s also important to note that “uphold” is often used with abstract nouns like “principles,” “values,” “rights,” and “standards.”
6. Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “uphold”:
- Missing Object: Forgetting to include the object of the verb.
- Incorrect Verb Form: Using the wrong tense or form of the verb (e.g., “upholded” instead of “upheld”).
- Inappropriate Context: Using “uphold” in informal or casual contexts where a simpler verb like “support” or “maintain” would be more appropriate.
- Misunderstanding the Meaning: Confusing “uphold” with similar verbs like “defend” or “support,” which may not carry the same sense of obligation or commitment.
Here’s a table illustrating some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The judge uphold the decision. | The judge upheld the decision. | Incorrect verb tense. |
| We must uphold. | We must uphold our values. | Missing object. |
| She uphelding the rules. | She is upholding the rules. | Incorrect verb form. |
| He upholded his promise. | He upheld his promise. | Incorrect past tense form. |
7. Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “uphold” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “uphold.”
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The court will __________ the law. | uphold |
| 2 | She __________ her principles even when it was difficult. | upheld |
| 3 | We must all __________ our responsibilities. | uphold |
| 4 | The company is __________ its commitment to sustainability. | upholding |
| 5 | It is important to __________ the values of our community. | uphold |
| 6 | The judge has a duty to __________ justice. | uphold |
| 7 | They are __________ the tradition of their ancestors. | upholding |
| 8 | The organization was founded to __________ human rights. | uphold |
| 9 | He __________ his promise to help his friend. | upheld |
| 10 | The new regulations aim to __________ safety standards. | uphold |
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
| # | Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The court upholded the decision. | The court upheld the decision. |
| 2 | She must uphold. | She must uphold her values. |
| 3 | They are upholding their beliefs. | They are upholding their beliefs. |
| 4 | He will upholded the agreement. | He will uphold the agreement. |
| 5 | We should always uphold. | We should always uphold our principles. |
| 6 | The law must be uphelded. | The law must be upheld. |
| 7 | She is up holding her values. | She is upholding her values. |
| 8 | They are committed to uphold. | They are committed to upholding. |
| 9 | He upholds always his promises. | He always upholds his promises. |
| 10 | Uphold the good work. | Uphold the good work they are doing. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Write your own sentences using “uphold” in the following contexts.
- Write a sentence about a judge upholding a law.
- Write a sentence about a person upholding their personal values.
- Write a sentence about a company upholding its ethical standards.
- Write a sentence about a community upholding its traditions.
- Write a sentence about a government upholding the rights of its citizens.
Example answers:
- The judge upheld the constitutional right to free speech.
- Despite facing criticism, she continued to uphold her commitment to environmental conservation.
- The company upholds its ethical standards by ensuring fair labor practices throughout its supply chain.
- The community upholds its traditions through annual festivals and cultural events.
- The government upholds the rights of its citizens by providing access to education and healthcare.
8. Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of “uphold” to consider:
- Nuances of Meaning: Explore the subtle differences between “uphold” and similar verbs like “maintain,” “defend,” “support,” and “preserve.” Consider the specific connotations and contexts in which each verb is most appropriate.
- Figurative Usage: Analyze how “uphold” can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts or situations. For example, “upholding the spirit of innovation” or “upholding the balance of power.”
- Historical Context: Investigate the historical evolution of the word “uphold” and its usage in different periods of English literature and legal discourse.
- Cross-Cultural Comparisons: Examine how the concept of “upholding” principles, laws, or values is expressed in different languages and cultures.
Understanding these advanced topics will further enhance your command of the English language and your ability to use “uphold” with precision and sophistication.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “uphold”:
- What is the difference between “uphold” and “support”?
While both words indicate approval and assistance, “uphold” implies a stronger commitment to maintaining or defending something, often in the face of opposition. “Support” can be a more general term, simply meaning to agree with or assist something.
- Can “uphold” be used in informal contexts?
While “uphold” is more common in formal contexts, it can be used in informal settings if you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a particular principle or value. However, simpler words like “support” or “stick to” might be more appropriate in casual conversations.
- What are some synonyms for “uphold”?
Synonyms for “uphold” include: maintain, defend, support, preserve, sustain, champion, advocate, and stand by.
- How do you use “uphold” in the passive voice?
In the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject. For example, “The law was upheld by the court.”
- Is “uphold” only used in legal contexts?
No, while “uphold” is frequently used in legal contexts, it can also be used in other areas, such as ethics, morality, and personal values.
- What part of speech is “uphold”?
“Uphold” is primarily a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It indicates the action of supporting or defending something.
- How do you conjugate the verb “uphold”?
The conjugation of “uphold” is as follows:
- Present tense: uphold, upholds
- Past tense: upheld
- Past participle: upheld
- Present participle: upholding
- What is the difference between “uphold” and “maintain”?
While both “uphold” and “maintain” suggest a continuation of something, “uphold” often implies a more active defense or support, especially in the face of challenges. “Maintain” can simply mean to keep something in its current state.
10. Conclusion
Mastering the use of “uphold” is essential for effective communication
in various professional and academic settings. By understanding its definition, structural elements, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate this powerful verb into your vocabulary.
Whether you’re discussing legal matters, ethical principles, or personal values, “uphold” allows you to express a strong commitment to maintaining and defending important concepts.
Continue to practice using “uphold” in different contexts to further refine your understanding and usage. Pay attention to how native English speakers and writers use the verb, and don’t hesitate to consult dictionaries and grammar guides for clarification.
With dedication and practice, you can master the art of using “uphold” effectively, enhancing the clarity and impact of your communication.