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.
Interested in more grammar tips like this? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter.