Raise: This is a transitive verb that refers to lifting or moving something upwards.
Rise: It is an intransitive verb that means ‘something moves upwards or elevates itself’.
When to Use Raise
• Raise is a transitive verb meaning 'moving something upwards or lifting something higher'.
• In order for the verb 'raise' to be meaningful, it needs an object for reference (typically a noun).
Examples of Raise
• Incorrect: The students were instructed to raise if they agreed.
• Correct: The students were instructed to raise their hands if they agreed.
When to Use Rise
• Rise is an intransitive verb, which refers to something that moves upward or is elevated.
• There is no need for an object to make sense of it.
Examples of Rise
• Incorrect: The king rises his throne to greet the ambassadors.
• Correct: •The king rises from his throne to greet the ambassadors.
Pro-tips to Remember
• Look for the object!
• When ‘raise’ or ‘rise’ is followed by an object, use ‘raise’ (something raises something).
• When ‘raise’ or ‘rise’ is not followed by an object, use ‘rise’ (something rises).