Always remember that 'raise' needs a direct object to receive the action.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Move an object to a higher physical position.
- Increase the amount, value, or intensity of something.
- Always requires a direct object to be grammatically correct.
Overview
The verb 'raise' is a fundamental building block in English, denoting an upward movement or a numerical increase. Because it is transitive, you cannot simply say 'I raised'; you must specify what is being raised, such as 'I raised my hand' or 'They raised the price.'
Usage Patterns: 'Raise' typically follows the structure
Subject + raise + Object. It is a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-d' (raised). It is often used in physical contexts, such as lifting objects, or abstract contexts, such as increasing standards or voices.
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'raise' in professional settings (raising capital or salaries), educational settings (raising one's hand to speak), and daily life (raising a child or raising the volume on a television). It is also frequently used in idiomatic expressions regarding awareness, such as 'raising an issue' during a meeting.
Similar Words Comparison
'Raise' is often compared to 'rise.' The critical difference is that 'rise' is intransitive—it does not take an object (e.g., 'The sun rises'). 'Raise' requires an external agent to perform the action. While 'lift' is a synonym for physical movement, 'raise' is much broader, covering abstract concepts like taxes, standards, or children, which 'lift' cannot do.
Examples
Please raise your hand to ask a question.
everydayPor favor, levante la mano para hacer una pregunta.
The government decided to raise taxes next year.
formalEl gobierno decidió aumentar los impuestos el próximo año.
Can you raise the volume? I can't hear it.
informal¿Puedes subir el volumen? No puedo oírlo.
The researchers raised several important points during the study.
academicLos investigadores plantearon varios puntos importantes durante el estudio.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
raise the bar
subir el listón/exigencia
raise a question
plantear una pregunta
raise a family
formar una familia
Often Confused With
Rise is intransitive and does not take an object. Raise is transitive and requires an object.
Lift usually refers specifically to moving something upward physically. Raise can be used for physical movement but also for abstract increases.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Raise is a neutral verb used in almost all registers, from casual conversation to formal business reports. Always ensure the object follows the verb directly. Avoid using it without an object, as that is a common grammatical error.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is using 'raise' as an intransitive verb, such as saying 'The temperature raised' instead of 'The temperature rose.' Remember that 'raise' needs an object to receive the action. Learners also sometimes confuse the spelling with 'rise'.
Tips
Use the Object Test
If you are unsure whether to use raise or rise, ask if there is an object. If you are doing the action to something else, use raise.
Avoid Intransitive Usage
Never say 'The prices raised.' Instead, say 'The prices rose' or 'The company raised the prices.'
Raising Funds
In Western culture, 'raising funds' is a common term for collecting money for charities or projects. It implies an active effort to gather resources.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old Norse word 'reisa', meaning to stir up or move up. It has been part of the English language since the Middle English period.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, raising your hand is a sign of respect in a classroom or a meeting. The term 'raising a child' is universally used to describe the responsibility of parenting.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'a' in raise as an arrow pointing up. You need an object to push that arrow higher!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsRaise is a transitive verb requiring an object, while rise is an intransitive verb that does not take an object. For example, you raise your hand, but the sun rises.
Yes, it is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle forms are both 'raised'.
Yes, in the context of 'raising a child,' it means to care for and bring up a person until they reach adulthood. It is very common in English.
Not always. It often refers to increasing values, such as raising taxes, interest rates, or the volume on a radio.
Test Yourself
The teacher asked the students to ___ their hands if they knew the answer.
We need the base form of the verb because it follows 'to'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Only this sentence uses 'raised' with a direct object.
the / they / prices / raised / yesterday
Subject + verb + object + time expression is the standard order.
Score: /3
Summary
Always remember that 'raise' needs a direct object to receive the action.
- Move an object to a higher physical position.
- Increase the amount, value, or intensity of something.
- Always requires a direct object to be grammatically correct.
Use the Object Test
If you are unsure whether to use raise or rise, ask if there is an object. If you are doing the action to something else, use raise.
Avoid Intransitive Usage
Never say 'The prices raised.' Instead, say 'The prices rose' or 'The company raised the prices.'
Raising Funds
In Western culture, 'raising funds' is a common term for collecting money for charities or projects. It implies an active effort to gather resources.
Examples
4 of 4Please raise your hand to ask a question.
Por favor, levante la mano para hacer una pregunta.
The government decided to raise taxes next year.
El gobierno decidió aumentar los impuestos el próximo año.
Can you raise the volume? I can't hear it.
¿Puedes subir el volumen? No puedo oírlo.
The researchers raised several important points during the study.
Los investigadores plantearon varios puntos importantes durante el estudio.
Quick Quiz
The charity wants to ____ money for the local hospital.
Correct!
The correct answer is: raise
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