What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enforce
Example
The police officer was tasked with enforcing traffic laws. [enforcing: verb]
Example
The company has strict policies in place that they enforce regularly. [enforce: present tense]
uphold
Example
The judge's role is to uphold the law and ensure justice is served. [uphold: verb]
Example
It is important to uphold ethical standards in the workplace. [upholding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enforce is more commonly used than uphold in legal or regulatory contexts. However, uphold is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including personal beliefs and values.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between enforce and uphold?
Both enforce and uphold are formal words that are typically used in professional or legal contexts.
