Rise vs Raise

In English, rise and raise differ in transitivity: rise is intransitive and raise is transitive. This short guide shows you when to use each verb with clear examples.

Rise

Rise means to move upward or increase by itself; it does not take a direct object. Think of the sun, prices, or bread as things that rise naturally.

Examples

English ExampleEnglish Translation
🌅 The sun rises over the mountains.The sun comes up above the mountains.
💧 The warm air makes the mist rise from the lake.The mist goes up from the lake because of the warm air.
🕊️ Birds rise into the clear morning sky.Birds fly up into the clear morning sky.
🌾 The heat causes the scent of the fields to rise.The scent of the fields goes up because of the heat.

Usage

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Raise

Raise means to lift or increase something and requires a direct object. You use raise when someone causes the height or level of something to go up.

Examples

English ExampleEnglish Translation
🌻 Farmers raise tall sunflowers in the field.Farmers grow tall sunflowers in the field.
🔥 They raise a fire to warm the chilly morning air.They start a fire to warm the cold morning air.
🎣 Fishermen raise their nets as the sun rises.Fishermen lift their nets when the sun comes up.
🚩 A flag is raised at sunrise to start the day.A flag is lifted at sunrise to begin the day.

Usage

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Summary

Use rise when something goes up on its own and raise when someone causes something to go up. Remember: rise is intransitive and raise is transitive.

Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025