Difference between raise and rise

This is part of the difference between series.

I recently saw someone confusing the words raise and rise. Here’s the difference between the two.

Raise

As a verb, raise is the word you use when you are doing it to something.

  • Raise your hands above your head.
  • Last week, I received notice that my insurance company raised my rates.
  • Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple!

Rise

Rise is the word you use when you are doing it yourself.

  • Everyone in favour of the motion, please rise.
  • Now that the solstice has passed, the sun rises earlier every morning.
  • As we approached the mainland, I could see the harbour cliffs rising on the horizon.

In other words, sitting is what you do and seating is where you do it.

A simple trick for remembering this is the phrase “I rise.” Both words contain a long I sound, and the phrase describes what you’re doing.

Which words do you confuse? Let me know in the comments below.

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By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.