Upheld or Upholded – Which is Correct?
Have you ever found yourself in a dilemma when using the past tense of the verb “uphold”? It’s not uncommon to encounter confusion regarding whether to use “upheld” or “upholded”. Fear not, I am here to shed light on this puzzling question and provide you with a clear answer.
To begin with, let’s understand the concept of irregular verbs. Irregular verbs are those that do not follow the standard pattern of adding “-ed” to the base form to indicate the past tense. Instead, they undergo a change in their spelling. In this case, “uphold” is indeed an irregular verb.
The correct past tense form of “uphold” is “upheld.” While “upheld” may seem unfamiliar at first, it is the widely accepted and established past tense form of this verb. By using “upheld,” you are conforming to the standard English grammar rules.
Let’s explore some examples to illustrate the correct usage of “upheld”:
1. The judge upheld the decision made by the lower court.
2. Despite the controversy surrounding the policy, the company’s board of directors upheld their stance.
3. The government’s commitment to upholding human rights has been widely praised.
4. The integrity of the investigation was upheld by the thorough examination of evidence.
5. The firefighter’s bravery was upheld, and he was honored with a medal.
On the other hand, “upholded” is considered incorrect and non-standard. While it may be tempting to add “-ed” to regularize the verb, doing so in this case would be grammatically incorrect.
Consider this analogy: You wouldn’t say “taked” instead of “took” or “ringed” instead of “rang”. Just as these verbs have their unique past tense forms, “upheld” is the designated form for “uphold.”
Using proper grammar not only conveys your message effectively, but it also exhibits your command of the English language. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to the correct and accepted past tense form of “upheld” to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing or speaking.
In conclusion, when faced with the choice between “upheld” and “upholded,” remember that “upheld” is the correct and widely accepted past tense form of the verb “uphold.” While it may be tempting to regularize the verb, it is essential to adhere to established grammar rules. By doing so, you will communicate your ideas with precision and authority. So, let’s uphold the proper usage of “upheld” and steer clear of “upholded.”