ENGLISH VOCABULARY GUIDE

Rise vs Raise: Intransitive and Transitive Verbs

Rise happens without a direct object. Raise is an action done to something and therefore normally takes an object.

Clear Explanation

• Rise–rose–risen: the subject moves or increases.

• Raise–raised–raised: someone causes an increase.

• Ask whether the verb has a direct object.

• Sales rise, but a campaign raises sales.

• A rise is an increase; a raise can mean higher pay in American English.

Examples

Temperatures rose during the afternoon.
The company raised its prices.
Please raise your hand if you have a question.

Quick Comparison

Common Mistake

Avoid the price raised when no actor causes the increase; write the price rose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rise irregular?

Yes: rise, rose, risen.

Is raise regular?

Yes: raise, raised, raised.

Which verb takes an object?

Raise normally takes an object.

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