What is the difference between rise and raise?

Rise vs Raise

Rise has no object — things go up by themselves (the sun rises). Raise needs an object — you raise something (raise your hand, raise prices).

The one-line answer

Rise has no object — things go up by themselves (the sun rises). Raise needs an object — you raise something (raise your hand, raise prices).

rise

verb

to go up — no direct object (rise – rose – risen)

The sun rises in the east.
Prices rose again this month.
He rose from his chair slowly.

raise

verb

to lift or increase something — always with an object (raise – raised – raised)

Raise your hand if you know the answer.
They raised the salary of all staff.
She raised three children alone.

Memory trick

R-A-I-S-E needs an object — the 'a' reminds you it acts ON something. Things rise on their own: 'The price rose' ✓ / 'They raised the price' ✓ / 'The price raised' ✗.

Rise vs Raise: Test yourself

Question 1 of 2

The company ___ its prices last week.