Rise Vs. Raise

A balloon rises in the air, but a store owner raises prices. How do you know when to use “rise” vs. “raise”?

Like “lie” and “lay” and “sit” and “set,” sometimes it can be hard to figure out how to use “rise” and “raise” correctly. The word “rise” means to go up. Since “rise” is an intransitive verb, it doesn’t take an object. Example: The bread dough has risen over the last hour.

The word “raise” means to force something to move upward. “Raise” is a transitive verb and does take an object. Example: Penny raised her hand to answer the question.

Here’s how to conjugate both verbs:

As with “lie” and “lay” and “sit” and “set,” which word you choose depends upon if the noun has agency. If it has agency, in that it performs the action, then use “rise.” The sun rises on its own; nothing raises it.

If the noun has no agency, and it’s the object of the verb, then use “raise.” The soldiers can raise the flag, but it doesn’t rise by itself.

Remember, when the subject of the verb moves itself upward, use “rise.” When the subject of the verb is acting on something else and moving it upward, then use “raise.”