Increase vs. Raise vs. Rise

synonyms

All three verbs refer to numbers or amounts becoming larger, but they differ in their scope of usage and grammatical structures.

What is the difference between 'increase' and 'raise' and 'rise'?

'Increase', 'raise', and 'rise' all refer to numbers, amount, or levels going up or becoming larger. However, they form different grammatical structures in sentences. Follow the lesson to find out about the grammatical difference between these two verbs.

Difference in Scope

'Increase' is a more general and versatile verb and can be used with any number, amount, size, degree, etc. 'Rise' and 'raise', however, are mostly used with levels or amounts and imply elevation of such levels and amounts. For example:

The sales team implemented new strategies to increase revenue.

Her popularity as an artist has risen significantly in recent years.

The company is considering raising the prices of its products.

Grammatical Difference

'Rise' is an intransitive verb. It only needs a subject and means 'to go up or become larger'. 'Raise' is always transitive and means 'to make something go up or become larger'. 'Increase', on the other hand, can be both transitive and intransitive and can mean 'to make something go up or become larger' as well as 'to go up or become larger'. Take a look at some examples:

The price of gasoline has risen steadily in recent months.

'Rise' is an intransitive verb, it does not need an object.

The government has steadily raised the price of gasoline in recent months.

'Raise' is a transitive verb. You cannot say 'the price of gasoline has raised steadily'.

The price of gasoline has increased steadily in recent months.

'Increase' as an intransitive verb, 'the price of gasoline' is the subject of the verb.

The government has increased the price of gasoline steadily in recent months

'Increase' as a transitive verb, 'the price of gasoline' is the object of the verb.

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Explain vs. Describe

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'Explain' and 'describe' are closely related in meaning but they differ in terms of purpose and context of use. This lesson will explore their differences.

Throw vs. Toss

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'Throw' and 'toss' signify similar actions but they differ in terms of level of force used in the action. Follow the lesson to learn their difference.