Unfortunately, discussing the recession is inevitable these days, isn’t it? The discussion on such a topic always includes lots of verbs describing downward trends, for example go down, fall, decrease, decline etc. Therefore, we suggest taking a more optimistic point of view, at least in terms of language. Let us focus on rise and raise, the two verbs describing upward trends. As you know, these two verbs are very easily confused by non-native speakers of English. We are all aware that the costs of living are rising these days and we know very well that all producers are raising their prices. Very often we are not sure when to use which verb. As we have already mentioned, they both mean ‘to move upwards’, but are not interchangeable. Of course, bear in mind that rise or raise do not always bring good news, e.g. in case of prices unemployment, interest rates, etc.
Let’s recall when to use RISE: The verb ‘rise’ is not followed by an object (stands either on its own or is followed by phrases telling us where or to what something is rising). Rise is an irregular verb: rise – rose – risen. Example: The sun rises in the east. The temperature rose to 40 degrees yesterday. I think our prices will not rise this year. Our profit have risen by 5% this year. The demand for our product is rising.
Let’s recall when to use RAISE: The verb ‘raise’ is always followed by an object (something that we raise). Raise is a regular verb: raise – raised – raised. Example: He never raises his voice. Temperatura je jučer porasla na 40 stupnjeva. Mislim da naše cijene ove godine neće rasti. Profit nam je narastao pet posto ove godine. Potražnja za našim proizvodom raste.
Choose between RISE or RAISE. If you decide to use rise, be careful about the verb form. Unemployment is continuing to _ around the world despite efforts to stop it. They all _ their hands at the meeting yesterday because they liked the idea. The value of our company’s shares has _ and fallen considerably over the past few months. Immediately after its launch, the demand for our latest product _ at first and then fell dramatically. We have decided to _ funds in the East. Our business is _ rapidly. The bank had to _ the interest rates on home loans and therefore my costs have _ considerably.
