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B1 verb (present participle/gerund) #19 most common 11 min read

raising

Top 19

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips raising in 30 Seconds

Explanation raising in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'raising' is most commonly understood in its physical sense. It describes the simple action of moving something upward. For example, a teacher might say, 'Raising your hand is good.' This helps students understand that they should lift their hand when they want to speak. It is also used for simple things like 'raising a flag.' At this stage, the focus is on the physical movement and the fact that you are doing it to something else. You don't need to worry about complex meanings yet. Just remember: you raise your hand, you raise a book, you raise a toy. It is an action you do with your body or to an object. It is a very useful word for following instructions in a classroom or a simple workplace. You might also hear it in very basic stories about families, like 'raising a puppy.' This helps beginners see that it can also mean taking care of something small as it grows.

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'raising' used in slightly more varied contexts. You still use it for physical actions, like 'raising the window' or 'raising the volume' on the radio. But you also start to learn about 'raising children.' This is a very common way to talk about parents taking care of their kids. You might say, 'My parents are raising me in London.' You also learn that 'raising' can mean increasing a number, like 'raising the price' of a snack. This is important for basic shopping and money conversations. You might hear someone say, 'The shop is raising the price of bread.' At this level, you should start to notice that 'raising' always has an object after it. You raise *the window*, you raise *the price*, you raise *the children*. This is a key rule that helps you distinguish it from 'rising.'

At the B1 level, 'raising' becomes a more versatile tool for communication. You use it to talk about social issues and finances. For example, 'raising money' for a charity is a very common B1 topic. You might describe a project where you are 'raising funds' for a school trip. You also use 'raising' to talk about 'raising awareness'—helping people learn about a problem like pollution or health. This shows you are moving beyond just physical actions to more abstract ideas. In work situations, you might talk about 'raising a question' or 'raising a point' during a meeting. This means you are introducing a new idea to the group. You also understand the difference between 'raising' (you do it) and 'rising' (it happens by itself) more clearly now. This level is where you start to use 'raising' to express more complex thoughts about society, work, and personal growth.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'raising' with more precision and in more formal contexts. You might use it in academic writing or professional reports. For instance, you could discuss 'raising standards' in education or 'raising the level of competition' in a market. You also become familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'raising eyebrows' (causing surprise) or 'raising the bar' (setting a higher standard). At this level, you understand that 'raising' can be used to describe the development of complex arguments, such as 'raising objections' to a proposal. You are also comfortable using it as a gerund in the subject position of a sentence, like 'Raising capital is the biggest challenge for new businesses.' Your use of 'raising' should feel natural and integrated into your overall command of English, showing that you can handle both its literal and metaphorical meanings with ease.

At the C1 level, your use of 'raising' should reflect a deep understanding of its nuances and collocations. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in tone or intensity, such as 'raising the stakes' in a negotiation or 'raising a red flag' about a potential problem. You are also aware of how 'raising' fits into specific professional jargon, such as 'raising a motion' in a legal or parliamentary setting. You can use the word to discuss complex sociological concepts, like 'raising the profile' of marginalized groups. Your vocabulary includes many synonyms for 'raising,' and you choose between them based on the desired register and impact. For example, you might choose 'elevating' for a more sophisticated tone or 'augmenting' for a technical increase. At this level, 'raising' is not just a verb; it is a versatile tool for precise and persuasive communication in any context.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'raising' and all its associated idioms, metaphors, and technical uses. You can use it with effortless precision in high-level academic, professional, and creative writing. You might explore the philosophical implications of 'raising' in a dissertation or use it to create vivid imagery in a novel. You are comfortable with rare or archaic uses, and you can play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. For instance, you might write about 'raising a ghost from the past' or 'raising a glass' to a fallen comrade. Your understanding of 'raising' is so thorough that you can use it to convey subtle irony or complex emotional states. At this level, the word is a fully integrated part of your vast linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express the most sophisticated ideas with clarity and elegance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

raising in 30 Seconds

Raising is the present participle of 'raise,' primarily meaning to lift something physically or increase its level, amount, or intensity in various contexts.
It is a transitive verb form, which means it always requires an object to receive the action, such as raising a hand or raising prices.
The term is widely used to describe the process of nurturing and bringing up children or animals, as well as the act of collecting money.
Commonly confused with 'rising,' 'raising' implies an active agent doing the lifting, whereas 'rising' describes something moving upward on its own accord.

The word 'raising' is a dynamic and multifaceted term in the English language, primarily functioning as the present participle or gerund of the verb 'raise.' At its most fundamental level, raising involves the physical act of moving something from a lower position to a higher one. However, its utility extends far beyond simple physics, permeating various aspects of social, economic, and personal life. When we talk about raising, we are often discussing the act of increasing a quantity, such as raising prices or raising the volume on a television. It is a transitive action, meaning it always requires an object—you must raise *something*. This distinguishes it from 'rising,' which is something that happens independently. In social contexts, raising is the cornerstone of development, used to describe the long-term process of nurturing and bringing up children or animals until they reach maturity. It also plays a critical role in financial and charitable sectors, where 'raising money' or 'raising capital' refers to the systematic collection of funds for a specific venture or cause. Furthermore, the word is used metaphorically to describe the introduction of topics or concerns, such as 'raising a question' or 'raising an objection' during a formal meeting. The versatility of 'raising' makes it an essential component of both everyday conversation and specialized professional discourse.

Physical Elevation: The direct act of lifting an object, such as a hand, a flag, or a heavy weight, to a higher vertical point.

The students were raising their hands to answer the teacher's difficult question about history.

Nurturing and Growth: The process of caring for children, plants, or livestock, ensuring they have the necessary resources to grow and develop properly.

She spent twenty years raising her three children in a small, quiet town in the countryside.

Financial Accumulation: The act of gathering or collecting money, often through donations, investments, or loans, to fund a project or organization.

The charity is currently raising funds to build a new community center for the local youth.

The central bank is considering raising interest rates to combat the rising inflation in the country.

By raising the bar, the coach challenged the athletes to perform better than they ever had before.

In summary, 'raising' is a versatile verb form that describes upward movement, growth, and accumulation. Whether you are raising a child, raising a flag, or raising a point in a debate, the core concept remains the same: an active effort to elevate or increase something. Its usage is pervasive in English, spanning from the most literal physical actions to the most abstract financial and social concepts. Understanding the context is key to mastering its use, as it bridges the gap between the physical world and our complex social structures.

Using 'raising' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a transitive verb form. This means that whenever you use 'raising,' you must identify the object that is being raised. Unlike 'rising,' which describes something moving upward on its own (like the sun or bread dough), 'raising' requires an agent to perform the action upon an object. For example, in the sentence 'The government is raising taxes,' the government is the agent, and taxes are the object. This distinction is one of the most common hurdles for English learners. 'Raising' can appear in various tense structures, most notably the present continuous ('is raising'), the past continuous ('was raising'), and as a gerund acting as a noun ('Raising children is difficult'). Each of these uses maintains the core meaning of elevation or increase but adapts to the temporal or functional needs of the sentence. In academic writing, 'raising' is often used to introduce new evidence or perspectives, such as 'raising concerns' or 'raising the possibility.' In casual conversation, it might describe the simple act of raising one's voice during an argument. Mastery of 'raising' involves recognizing these patterns and ensuring the object is always clear to the listener or reader.

Continuous Action: Used with the verb 'to be' to describe an ongoing process of lifting or increasing.

The workers are raising the steel beams to the top floor of the skyscraper.

Gerund Usage: When the word 'raising' acts as a noun, often serving as the subject of a sentence.

Raising awareness about climate change is the primary goal of this documentary.

Metaphorical Increase: Applying the concept of elevation to abstract levels, standards, or intensities.

The company is raising its standards for customer service to stay competitive.

Stop raising your voice; we can discuss this calmly without shouting.

They are raising money for the animal shelter by selling homemade cookies.

By examining these examples, it becomes clear that 'raising' is an active, intentional word. It implies that someone or something is making a concerted effort to change the state of an object. Whether that object is a physical beam, a child's future, or the price of milk, 'raising' signifies a deliberate shift toward a higher level. Practicing these structures will help you use the word with confidence in both written and spoken English.

The word 'raising' is ubiquitous in various professional and social environments, each utilizing its specific nuances. In the world of finance and startups, you will constantly hear about 'raising a round of funding' or 'raising capital.' This refers to the high-stakes process of entrepreneurs seeking investment from venture capitalists to grow their businesses. In this context, 'raising' is synonymous with growth and potential. Move into a corporate office, and you might hear a manager talk about 'raising the bar' for performance, meaning they are increasing the expectations for their team. In the field of education, teachers often instruct students on the etiquette of 'raising their hands' before speaking, a fundamental rule in classrooms worldwide. This physical act is a symbol of respect and order. In the news, 'raising' frequently appears in headlines concerning the economy—'Central Bank Raising Interest Rates' or 'Oil Companies Raising Fuel Prices'—where it signals a change that will affect the cost of living for millions. Furthermore, in social justice and non-profit sectors, 'raising awareness' is a primary objective, referring to the effort to educate the public about important issues like mental health, environmental protection, or human rights. Even in the domestic sphere, parents discuss the challenges and rewards of 'raising children' in the modern world. From the boardroom to the classroom to the living room, 'raising' is a word that describes the active shaping of our environment and our future.

In Finance: Refers to the process of obtaining investment or loans to start or expand a business.

The tech startup is raising five million dollars in its Series A funding round.

In Education: Describes the classroom protocol for seeking permission to speak or ask a question.

The teacher reminded the students that raising your hand is necessary before shouting out answers.

In Social Advocacy: Used to describe the act of bringing public attention to a specific cause or problem.

The campaign is focused on raising awareness about the importance of recycling in urban areas.

The landlord is raising the rent by ten percent starting next month.

They are raising cattle on their farm in the northern part of the state.

As you can see, 'raising' is a word that works hard across many different sectors of life. Its meaning is consistent—an upward or increasing action—but its application is incredibly broad. By paying attention to where you hear it, you can begin to appreciate the subtle differences in how it is used to describe everything from financial growth to social responsibility.

One of the most persistent challenges for English learners is the confusion between 'raising' and 'rising.' While both words involve upward movement, they are used in fundamentally different ways. 'Raising' is a transitive verb, which means it requires an object. You must raise *something*. For example, 'I am raising my hand.' In contrast, 'rising' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take an object. Something rises on its own. For example, 'The sun is rising.' Confusing these two is a very common mistake. Another frequent error involves spelling; learners sometimes confuse 'raising' with 'razing.' Although they sound identical (homophones), 'razing' means to completely destroy a building or structure, which is the exact opposite of the constructive nature of 'raising.' Additionally, learners may struggle with the prepositional use of 'raising.' While you 'raise' something 'up,' the 'up' is often redundant. Simply saying 'raising the flag' is more concise than 'raising up the flag.' Furthermore, in the context of children, some learners mistakenly use 'growing' when they mean 'raising.' In English, you 'grow' plants, but you 'raise' children. Saying 'I am growing my children' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Finally, there is the confusion between 'raising' and 'arising.' 'Arising' usually refers to problems or situations coming into existence, not the physical act of lifting. Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your English.

Raise vs. Rise: The most common error. Remember: 'Raising' needs an object; 'Rising' does not.

Incorrect: The prices are raising quickly. Correct: The prices are rising quickly OR The company is raising prices.

Raising vs. Razing: Homophones with opposite meanings. 'Raising' builds or lifts; 'Razing' destroys.

The city is raising a new monument (building it), but they are razing the old factory (tearing it down).

Raising vs. Growing: Use 'raising' for people and animals; use 'growing' for plants and hair.

She is raising her nephew while her sister is away on business.

The manager is raising the issue of employee burnout in the weekly meeting.

They are raising the roof with their loud music and cheering.

By being mindful of these distinctions, you can avoid the most common errors associated with 'raising.' Whether it's the transitive/intransitive divide or the specific vocabulary used for people versus plants, attention to detail will make your English sound more natural and professional.

While 'raising' is a highly versatile word, there are many synonyms and alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about physically lifting something, words like 'elevating,' 'hoisting,' or 'heaving' might be more descriptive. 'Elevating' often implies a more formal or technical process, while 'hoisting' is frequently used for heavy objects or flags using ropes. In the context of increasing numbers or levels, you might use 'boosting,' 'augmenting,' or 'hiking.' 'Hiking' is specifically common when talking about price or tax increases ('hiking the prices'). When it comes to the nurturing aspect of 'raising,' alternatives include 'rearing,' 'nurturing,' or 'bringing up.' 'Rearing' is a bit more formal and is often used in academic or sociological contexts. For financial contexts, 'collecting,' 'accumulating,' or 'securing' can be used, though 'raising' remains the standard for investment capital. In the metaphorical sense of introducing a topic, you might use 'broaching,' 'mentioning,' or 'proposing.' Choosing the right alternative can help you convey a more specific meaning and avoid repetitive language in your writing and speech. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your vocabulary to the specific situation, whether you are writing a formal report or having a casual conversation with a friend.

Elevating vs. Raising: 'Elevating' is more formal and often used for status or technical height; 'Raising' is more general.

The promotion was effective in raising her status within the company to a senior level.

Rearing vs. Raising: 'Rearing' is specifically used for the upbringing of children or animals, often in a more formal tone.

The study examined the different methods of raising children in various cultures around the world.

Boosting vs. Raising: 'Boosting' implies a helpful or energetic increase; 'Raising' is more neutral.

The new marketing campaign is raising the company's profile among younger consumers.

They are raising the flag at sunrise as part of the daily ceremony.

The professor is raising several interesting points about the economic theory.

In conclusion, while 'raising' is a fantastic all-purpose word, exploring its synonyms can add color and precision to your language. Whether you are 'elevating' a conversation, 'rearing' a family, or 'hiking' a price, choosing the most appropriate term will help you communicate your ideas more effectively and demonstrate a deeper command of the English language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The committee is raising several pertinent questions regarding the proposed legislation."

Neutral

"The local bakery is raising the price of its sourdough bread."

Informal

"My neighbors were raising the roof with their party last night."

Child friendly

"The little boy is raising his hand because he knows the answer!"

Slang

"They were out all night raising hell in the city center."

Fun Fact

The word 'raise' and 'rear' (as in rearing children) actually come from the same ancient root, which is why we use 'raising' for both lifting objects and bringing up kids!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈreɪ.zɪŋ/

US /ˈreɪ.zɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: RAY-zing.

Rhymes With

blazing amazing grazing phasing glazing praising dazing hazelnut (partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a soft 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
Confusing the sound with 'rising' (/ˈraɪ.zɪŋ/).
Dropping the 'g' at the end in informal speech ('raisin').
Making the 'a' sound too short.
Adding an extra syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, though metaphors can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Requires careful distinction from 'rising' and correct object placement.

Speaking 3/5

Commonly used, but learners must remember it is transitive.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'rising' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

lift up grow money hand

Learn Next

rising elevating nurturing capital awareness

Advanced

broaching augmenting rearing hoisting leveraging

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs

Raising requires an object: 'She is raising *her hand*.'

Gerunds as Subjects

'Raising money is difficult but rewarding.'

Present Continuous for Ongoing Actions

'The workers are raising the bridge right now.'

Participle Phrases for Simultaneous Action

'Raising his voice, he demanded to be heard.'

Gerunds after Prepositions

'He is interested in raising awareness about the issue.'

Examples by Level

Please practice raising your hand in class.

Por favor, practica levantar la mano en clase.

Present participle used as a gerund (object of the verb 'practice').

The man is raising the heavy box.

El hombre está levantando la caja pesada.

Present continuous tense showing an ongoing physical action.

They are raising a new flag today.

Ellos están izando una bandera nueva hoy.

Present continuous tense with a physical object (flag).

Raising a puppy takes a lot of time.

Criar un cachorro toma mucho tiempo.

Gerund used as the subject of the sentence.

She is raising her voice because she is angry.

Ella está alzando la voz porque está enojada.

Present continuous used for an increase in volume.

The crane is raising the steel beam.

La grúa está levantando la viga de acero.

Present continuous showing a mechanical action.

We are raising money for the school.

Estamos recaudando dinero para la escuela.

Present continuous used for collecting funds.

Is he raising the window now?

¿Está él abriendo (subiendo) la ventana ahora?

Present continuous in a question format.

The company is raising the price of milk.

La compañía está subiendo el precio de la leche.

Present continuous used for an economic increase.

Raising children is a big responsibility.

Criar hijos es una gran responsabilidad.

Gerund phrase acting as the subject.

They are raising chickens on their farm.

Ellos están criando pollos en su granja.

Present continuous used for livestock farming.

He is raising the volume on the television.

Él está subiendo el volumen de la televisión.

Present continuous for increasing intensity.

Are you raising any questions about the plan?

¿Estás planteando alguna pregunta sobre el plan?

Present continuous used for introducing a topic.

The workers are raising the roof of the house.

Los trabajadores están levantando el techo de la casa.

Present continuous for a physical construction task.

She enjoys raising flowers in her garden.

Ella disfruta cultivar flores en su jardín.

Gerund used as the object of the verb 'enjoys'.

The bank is raising interest rates this month.

El banco está subiendo las tasas de interés este mes.

Present continuous for a financial change.

The charity is raising awareness about ocean pollution.

La organización benéfica está creando conciencia sobre la contaminación del océano.

Present continuous used for a social advocacy goal.

We are raising funds for the new community center.

Estamos recaudando fondos para el nuevo centro comunitario.

Present continuous used for fundraising.

Raising the standard of living is a primary goal.

Elevar el nivel de vida es un objetivo primordial.

Gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence.

He is raising a very important point in the debate.

Él está planteando un punto muy importante en el debate.

Present continuous used for introducing an argument.

The government is raising taxes on luxury goods.

El gobierno está subiendo los impuestos a los artículos de lujo.

Present continuous for a policy change.

They are raising the bar for future athletes.

Ellos están poniendo el listón más alto para los futuros atletas.

Idiomatic use of 'raising the bar' in present continuous.

She is raising three kids while working full-time.

Ella está criando a tres niños mientras trabaja a tiempo completo.

Present continuous describing a life situation.

The landlord is raising the rent by fifty dollars.

El propietario está subiendo el alquiler cincuenta dólares.

Present continuous for a price increase.

The report is raising concerns about the new policy.

El informe está planteando preocupaciones sobre la nueva política.

Present continuous used for introducing doubts or issues.

Raising capital is essential for the startup's survival.

Recaudar capital es esencial para la supervivencia de la startup.

Gerund phrase as the subject, focusing on business finance.

The city is raising the height of the sea wall.

La ciudad está aumentando la altura del muro de contención.

Present continuous for an engineering project.

He is raising eyebrows with his controversial statements.

Él está causando sorpresa con sus declaraciones polémicas.

Idiomatic use of 'raising eyebrows' in present continuous.

The school is raising its academic requirements.

La escuela está aumentando sus requisitos académicos.

Present continuous for increasing standards.

Raising the issue now might be counterproductive.

Plantear el tema ahora podría ser contraproducente.

Gerund phrase as the subject, focusing on timing.

They are raising the profile of local artists.

Ellos están aumentando la visibilidad de los artistas locales.

Present continuous for increasing visibility/status.

The central bank is raising the reserve requirement.

El banco central está aumentando el requisito de reserva.

Present continuous for a technical economic action.

The documentary is raising profound questions about ethics.

El documental está planteando preguntas profundas sobre la ética.

Present continuous used for high-level intellectual inquiry.

Raising the stakes in the negotiation was a bold move.

Aumentar la apuesta en la negociación fue un movimiento audaz.

Gerund phrase as the subject, using an idiom.

The company is raising a defense against the lawsuit.

La empresa está preparando una defensa contra la demanda.

Present continuous used in a legal context.

She is raising the level of discourse in the community.

Ella está elevando el nivel del discurso en la comunidad.

Present continuous for improving social interaction.

Raising a red flag about the safety protocols was necessary.

Dar la voz de alarma sobre los protocolos de seguridad era necesario.

Gerund phrase using an idiom for warning.

The artist is raising awareness through provocative installations.

El artista está creando conciencia a través de instalaciones provocativas.

Present continuous for creative advocacy.

Raising expectations too high can lead to disappointment.

Aumentar demasiado las expectativas puede llevar a la decepción.

Gerund phrase as the subject, focusing on psychology.

They are raising a motion to change the organization's bylaws.

Ellos están presentando una moción para cambiar los estatutos de la organización.

Present continuous used in a formal procedural context.

The philosopher is raising the specter of total surveillance.

El filósofo está planteando el espectro de la vigilancia total.

Present continuous using a sophisticated metaphor.

Raising a glass to the past, they toasted their ancestors.

Levantando una copa por el pasado, brindaron por sus antepasados.

Present participle phrase used to show simultaneous action.

The author is raising the bar for contemporary literature.

El autor está poniendo el listón más alto para la literatura contemporánea.

Present continuous used for exceptional achievement.

Raising the possibility of a different outcome changed the mood.

Plantear la posibilidad de un resultado diferente cambió el ánimo.

Gerund phrase as the subject, focusing on nuance.

They are raising a monument to the victims of the conflict.

Ellos están erigiendo un monumento a las víctimas del conflicto.

Present continuous for a significant physical construction.

Raising objections at this stage is purely academic.

Plantear objeciones en esta etapa es puramente académico.

Gerund phrase focusing on the futility of an action.

The conductor is raising his baton to begin the symphony.

El director está levantando su batuta para comenzar la sinfonía.

Present continuous for a precise, professional action.

Raising a child in such a volatile environment is daunting.

Criar a un niño en un entorno tan volátil es desalentador.

Gerund phrase as the subject, focusing on complex social reality.

Common Collocations

raising money

raising awareness

raising children

raising prices

raising a hand

raising capital

raising the bar

raising eyebrows

raising concerns

raising a question

Common Phrases

raising the roof

— Making a lot of noise, usually by cheering or celebrating loudly.

The crowd was raising the roof after the winning goal.

raising hell

— Behaving in a noisy, wild, or disruptive way.

The teenagers were raising hell in the parking lot.

raising a family

— The process of caring for and educating children in a household.

They are focused on raising a family in a safe neighborhood.

raising the stakes

— Increasing the risks or the potential rewards in a situation.

By adding more prize money, they are raising the stakes of the game.

raising a red flag

— Signaling that there is a problem or something that needs attention.

The missing files are raising a red flag for the auditors.

raising the alarm

— Warning people about a dangerous or problematic situation.

The scientist is raising the alarm about the melting ice caps.

raising expectations

— Causing people to hope for or demand more from a situation.

The successful launch is raising expectations for the next product.

raising a point

— Introducing a specific idea or fact into a discussion.

Thank you for raising that point; it is very relevant.

raising a glass

— Lifting a drink to toast or honor someone or something.

We are raising a glass to celebrate your promotion.

raising a stink

— Complaining loudly and strongly about something.

He is raising a stink about the poor service at the hotel.

Often Confused With

raising vs rising

Rising is intransitive (no object), while raising is transitive (needs an object).

raising vs razing

Razing means to destroy a building, which is the opposite of raising (building/lifting).

raising vs arising

Arising refers to situations or problems coming into existence, not physical lifting.

Idioms & Expressions

"raise the bar"

— To set a higher standard for quality or performance.

Her performance in the play really raised the bar for the other actors.

neutral

"raise eyebrows"

— To cause surprise, shock, or mild disapproval.

His decision to quit his job so suddenly raised a few eyebrows.

neutral

"raise the roof"

— To cheer or shout very loudly, or to complain very loudly.

The fans raised the roof when the band finally came on stage.

informal

"raise hell"

— To behave in a very noisy, wild, or troublesome way.

They spent the weekend raising hell in the city.

informal

"raise a red flag"

— To provide a warning signal that something is wrong.

The unusual activity on his credit card raised a red flag.

neutral

"raise the stakes"

— To increase the amount of money or the level of risk involved in a situation.

The company raised the stakes by offering a huge bonus.

neutral

"raise the dead"

— To make enough noise to wake someone who is sleeping very deeply.

That alarm clock is loud enough to raise the dead!

informal

"raise a stink"

— To make a very strong and public complaint about something.

She raised a stink when she found out they had overcharged her.

informal

"raise Cain"

— To cause a lot of trouble or to complain very loudly.

He's going to raise Cain if he finds out we're late.

informal

"raise the white flag"

— To signal that you are surrendering or giving up.

After hours of arguing, he finally raised the white flag.

neutral

Easily Confused

raising vs rising

Both involve upward movement and sound similar.

Raising is something you do to an object (transitive). Rising is something that happens by itself (intransitive).

The sun is rising (itself). I am raising the flag (to the flag).

raising vs razing

They are homophones (sound exactly the same).

Raising means lifting or building up. Razing means tearing down or destroying a structure completely.

They are raising a new tower, but they are razing the old shack.

raising vs rearing

Both mean bringing up children or animals.

Rearing is more formal and less common in everyday speech than raising.

She is raising three kids. The study of child-rearing practices is fascinating.

raising vs arising

Similar spelling and root.

Arising is used for abstract things like problems or opportunities coming up. Raising is for active lifting or increasing.

New problems are arising. We are raising the budget.

raising vs growing

Both relate to the development of living things.

You grow plants and hair. You raise children and animals. You can also grow a business, but you raise capital for it.

He is growing tomatoes. She is raising sheep.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + raising + object.

He is raising his hand.

Raising + object + is + adjective.

Raising children is hard.

Subject + is + raising + object + for + purpose.

They are raising money for the hospital.

Subject + is + raising + abstract noun.

The report is raising concerns.

Raising + object + verb phrase.

Raising the stakes led to a faster decision.

Present participle phrase, + subject + verb.

Raising a glass, the host welcomed the guests.

Subject + keep(s) + raising + object.

The store keeps raising its prices.

It is worth + raising + object.

It is worth raising the issue at the next meeting.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English across all domains.

Common Mistakes

The sun is raising. → The sun is rising.
'Raising' needs an object. The sun moves up by itself, so we use 'rising'.
I am growing my children. → I am raising my children.
We use 'raising' for people and 'growing' for plants.
They are raising up the prices. → They are raising the prices.
The 'up' is redundant because 'raising' already implies upward movement.
The city is razing a new school. → The city is raising a new school.
'Razing' means to destroy. 'Raising' means to build or lift.
He is raising a question to himself. → He is raising a question.
'Raising a question' usually implies bringing it to a group's attention, not just thinking to oneself.

Tips

Always use an object

Remember that 'raising' is transitive. You must raise *something*. If there is no object, you probably need 'rising'.

Raising vs. Growing

Use 'raising' for people and animals. Use 'growing' for plants and hair. This is a key distinction for natural-sounding English.

Don't confuse with Razing

'Raising' builds or lifts. 'Razing' (with a 'z') means to tear down or destroy. They sound the same but are opposites!

Raising the Bar

Use this phrase when you want to describe someone setting a higher standard for everyone else to follow.

Raising Capital

In a professional context, use 'raising capital' or 'raising funds' instead of 'getting money' to sound more professional.

Raising Awareness

This is a very common and useful phrase for talking about social causes, health issues, or environmental protection.

The 'A' for Action

Think of the 'a' in 'raise' as standing for 'Action.' You take an action to raise something. 'Rise' has an 'i' for 'Independent'.

The 'Z' sound

The 's' in 'raising' is pronounced like a 'z'. Make sure it sounds like 'RAY-zing' and not 'RAY-sing'.

Avoid 'Raising Up'

The word 'up' is often redundant after 'raising' because 'raising' already means moving upward. Just say 'raising the flag'.

Raising a Point

Use this phrase in meetings to introduce a new idea or concern politely and clearly.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'a' in 'raising' as standing for 'Action.' You need to take an action to lift something up. Also, 'Raise' rhymes with 'Praise'—you raise your voice to praise someone.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand moving upward in a classroom. This is the most common physical image associated with 'raising.'

Word Web

Children Money Hands Prices Awareness Questions Standards Volume

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'raising' in three different ways: one for children, one for money, and one for a physical object.

Word Origin

The word 'raising' comes from the Middle English 'reisen,' which was borrowed from Old Norse 'reisa.' This Old Norse word is related to the Old English 'ræran,' which means 'to rear' or 'to lift.' It has Germanic roots that have always been associated with the action of causing something to move upward.

Original meaning: To cause to rise, to lift, or to set upright.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'raising' in the context of 'raising hell,' as it can be considered mildly offensive or inappropriate in very formal or religious settings.

Raising hands in class is a fundamental cultural norm in Western education systems to maintain order.

The play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry (related to the word 'raise'). The song 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban. The phrase 'Raising the Bar' used in many sports and business contexts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

raising your hand
raising a question
raising standards
raising test scores

Finance

raising capital
raising funds
raising interest rates
raising prices

Family

raising children
raising a family
raising a puppy
raising twins

Social Issues

raising awareness
raising the profile
raising concerns
raising a red flag

Construction

raising the roof
raising a beam
raising the height
raising a monument

Conversation Starters

"What do you think is the hardest part about raising children in today's digital world?"

"Have you ever participated in a project for raising money for a local charity?"

"Do you think companies are raising their prices too quickly these days?"

"In your opinion, what is the best way of raising awareness about environmental issues?"

"When was the last time you felt like raising the roof at a concert or sports event?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to take the lead in raising money or awareness for a cause you care about.

Reflect on the challenges and rewards of raising a pet or a plant. What have you learned from the experience?

How do you feel about the government raising taxes? Write about the potential pros and cons for your community.

Write about a situation where someone was raising the bar for performance. How did it motivate or stress you?

Imagine you are raising a family in a different country. What cultural differences would you expect to encounter?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'raising' is a transitive verb and always needs an object. You must say what you are raising, such as 'I am raising my hand' or 'I am raising money.' If you mean something is going up by itself, use 'rising' instead.

In English, we always say 'raising children.' Using 'growing children' sounds very unnatural and is a common mistake for learners. 'Growing' is reserved for plants, hair, or the size of something.

'Raising' is the general, everyday word for lifting or increasing. 'Elevating' is more formal and is often used in technical contexts (like an elevator) or when talking about someone's status or the quality of a conversation.

Yes, 'raising' is commonly used for animals, especially livestock on a farm. For example, 'They are raising cattle' or 'She is raising chickens in her backyard.'

No, while it comes from high jumping, 'raising the bar' is now a very common idiom in business, education, and personal goals to mean setting a higher standard of excellence.

It means to cause surprise, shock, or mild disapproval. If someone does something unusual or controversial, people might 'raise their eyebrows' in response.

It is most commonly written as one word ('fundraising'), but you will sometimes see it hyphenated ('fund-raising'). Both are generally accepted, but the single word is more modern.

Yes, 'raising prices' is the correct way to describe a company or store increasing the cost of their goods. For example, 'The airline is raising its ticket prices.'

The past tense of the verb 'raise' is 'raised.' For example, 'Yesterday, he raised the flag.' 'Raising' is the present participle or gerund form.

It is an informal idiom that means making a lot of noise, usually by cheering or celebrating very loudly. It can also mean complaining very strongly.