Increase vs Raise: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Are you confused about when to use “increase” or “raise”? It’s a common problem, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these two words and when to use them correctly.

It’s important to note that both “increase” and “raise” can be used to describe an upward movement in something. However, there are some key differences between the two.

When we talk about “increase”, we’re usually referring to a gradual or continuous growth or expansion. For example, we might say that a company’s profits have increased steadily over the past year.

On the other hand, “raise” usually refers to a sudden or intentional increase in something. For example, we might say that a company has raised its prices on a particular product.

It’s important to use the correct word in the right context to avoid confusion or miscommunication. In the following sections, we’ll explore these two words in more detail and provide some examples of how to use them correctly.

Define Increase

Increase is a verb that means to make something bigger or greater in quantity, size, or intensity. It can also refer to the act of becoming greater or larger.

For example, if a company’s profits increase, it means that the amount of money they make has gone up. Similarly, if a person’s salary increases, it means that they are earning more money than before.

Define Raise

Raise is also a verb that means to make something higher or greater in amount, level, or degree. However, it is often used in a more specific context than increase, as it usually refers to raising something to a higher position or status.

For instance, if an employee receives a raise, it means that their salary has been increased by their employer. If someone raises their hand in class, it means that they are lifting their hand to a higher position to get the teacher’s attention.

In some contexts, raise can also be used as a noun to refer to an increase in salary or wages.

Comparison between Increase and Raise

Term	Definition	Usage
Increase	To make something bigger or greater in quantity, size, or intensity	Used more broadly and can refer to any kind of growth or expansion
Raise	To make something higher or greater in amount, level, or degree	Used more specifically and often refers to raising something to a higher position or status

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when the words are similar in meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “increase” and “raise” in a sentence.

How To Use “Increase” In A Sentence

The word “increase” is a verb that means to make something larger or greater in amount, size, or degree. Here are some examples of how to use “increase” in a sentence:

• The company plans to increase its profits by 10% this year.
• Regular exercise can increase your energy levels.
• The price of gas has increased significantly in the last year.

When using “increase” in a sentence, it is important to note that it is often followed by a preposition, such as “by” or “of,” to indicate the amount or degree of the increase.

How To Use “Raise” In A Sentence

The word “raise” is also a verb, but it has a slightly different meaning than “increase.” “Raise” means to lift or move something to a higher position, or to increase the amount or level of something. Here are some examples of how to use “raise” in a sentence:

• He raised his hand to ask a question.
• The company plans to raise its prices next month.
• The teacher gave me a raise after I completed my project on time.

When using “raise” in a sentence, it is important to note that it is often followed by an object, such as “hand” or “prices,” to indicate what is being raised.

It is also important to note that “raise” can be a noun, as in “I got a raise at work,” which means an increase in salary.

Overall, understanding the proper use of “increase” and “raise” in a sentence can help improve your writing and communication skills. By following these guidelines and practicing their usage, you can effectively convey your thoughts and ideas to others.

More Examples Of Increase & Raise Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between “increase” and “raise,” it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Below are examples of both words used in various contexts.

Examples Of Using Increase In A Sentence

• The company plans to increase its profits by 20% this year.
• The number of students in the class increased from 25 to 30.
• She decided to increase her workout routine to five days a week.
• The price of gas has increased by 10 cents per gallon.
• The company’s stock price has increased steadily over the past year.
• The population of the city increased by 10,000 people in the last decade.
• He hopes to increase his savings by $5,000 this year.
• The amount of rainfall in the region has increased significantly.
• The company plans to increase its advertising budget next quarter.
• The number of tourists visiting the city has increased since the new airport opened.

Examples Of Using Raise In A Sentence

• The company plans to raise its prices by 5% next month.
• The teacher decided to raise the difficulty level of the assignments.
• The organization raised over $10,000 for charity at the event.
• He raised his hand to ask a question in class.
• The company raised the salaries of its employees by 10%.
• She raised her voice to be heard over the noise of the crowd.
• The government raised taxes to fund new infrastructure projects.
• The company raised its expectations for sales this quarter.
• The coach raised the team’s morale with an inspiring speech.
• The farmer raised a variety of crops on his land.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “increase” and “raise,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand in order to use them correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Raise” When You Should Use “Increase”

One common mistake people make is using “raise” when they should use “increase.” While the two words are often used interchangeably, “raise” specifically refers to raising something up or lifting it higher. For example, you might say, “I raised my hand to answer the question.” On the other hand, “increase” refers to making something bigger or more numerous. For example, you might say, “I increased my savings by 20%.”

So, when you want to talk about making something bigger or more numerous, use “increase” instead of “raise.”

Using “Increase” When You Should Use “Raise”

Conversely, another common mistake is using “increase” when you should use “raise.” As mentioned before, “raise” specifically refers to lifting something up or making it higher. However, it can also refer to increasing something, such as raising someone’s salary.

So, when you want to talk about lifting something up or making it higher, use “raise” instead of “increase.”

Not Understanding The Context

Another mistake people make is not understanding the context in which to use these words. For example, “raise” is often used in the context of employment, such as when discussing a salary increase or a raise in position. “Increase,” on the other hand, can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when discussing the increase in sales or the increase in temperature.

It’s important to understand the context in which these words are used in order to use them correctly.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

Here are some tips for avoiding these common mistakes:

• Think about the specific action you want to describe. If you want to talk about lifting something up or making it higher, use “raise.” If you want to talk about making something bigger or more numerous, use “increase.”
• Consider the context in which you are using these words. Are you talking about employment or a specific industry? Understanding the context can help you choose the right word.
• Read and write often. The more you read and write, the more comfortable you will become with using these words correctly.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “increase” and “raise,” context is key. The meaning of these two words can be quite similar, but the context in which they are used can greatly impact which one is the better choice. In this section, we will explore the different contexts in which these words might be used and how the choice between them can change.

Examples Of Different Contexts

One context in which the choice between “increase” and “raise” can differ is in the workplace. For example, if a manager wants to talk to an employee about their salary, they might use the word “raise” to indicate that they are considering increasing their pay. On the other hand, if the same manager is discussing the company’s profits with their team, they might use the word “increase” to describe the growth of revenue over time.

Another context in which the choice between these two words can change is in the realm of personal finance. For instance, if someone is discussing their investment portfolio with their financial advisor, they might use the word “increase” to describe the growth of their assets over time. However, if they are negotiating a salary with a potential employer, they might use the word “raise” to indicate that they are seeking a higher salary than what is currently being offered.

How The Choice Can Change

As we can see from these examples, the choice between “increase” and “raise” can depend on the context in which they are used. In some cases, the two words can be used interchangeably, but in others, one might be more appropriate than the other. When deciding which word to use, it’s important to consider the context and the audience to ensure that the message is clear and effective.

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word
Workplace	The manager gave me a _____.	Raise
Personal Finance	I want to _____ my savings this year.	Increase

By understanding the nuances of these words and the contexts in which they are used, we can communicate more effectively and with greater precision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “increase” and “raise” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Collective Nouns

When referring to a group of people or things as a single entity, a collective noun is used. In this case, “increase” is used instead of “raise”. For example:

• The company announced an increase in sales this quarter. (correct)
• The company announced a raise in sales this quarter. (incorrect)
• The committee voted for an increase in funding. (correct)
• The committee voted for a raise in funding. (incorrect)

2. Non-count Nouns

Non-count nouns refer to things that cannot be counted, such as water, air, or furniture. In this case, “increase” is used instead of “raise”. For example:

• The government is working to increase access to clean water. (correct)
• The government is working to raise access to clean water. (incorrect)
• The new regulations aim to increase air quality. (correct)
• The new regulations aim to raise air quality. (incorrect)

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “raise” is used instead of “increase”. These expressions have a fixed meaning and cannot be changed. For example:

• The teacher raised a question during the lecture. (correct)
• The teacher increased a question during the lecture. (incorrect)
• The company raised prices due to inflation. (correct)
• The company increased prices due to inflation. (incorrect)

It is important to note that these exceptions are not exhaustive and there may be other cases where the rules do not apply. However, by understanding these exceptions, you can use “increase” and “raise” correctly in most situations.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of increase and raise is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master the difference between these two words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

1. The company plans to _____ sales by 20% next quarter.

2. She _____ her hand to ask a question.

3. The new tax law will _____ the cost of living for many people.

4. He _____ his salary by negotiating with his boss.

Answer Key:

1. increase

2. raised

3. increase

4. raised

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. The teacher _____ the difficulty level of the test.

1. increased
2. raised

2. The government plans to _____ taxes on luxury goods.

1. increase
2. raise

3. She _____ her voice to be heard over the noise.

1. increased
2. raised

4. The company _____ prices to keep up with inflation.

1. increased
2. raised

Answer Key:

1. a

2. b

3. b

4. a

By completing these exercises, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the use of increase and raise in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “increase” and “raise” is subtle but important. While both words refer to an upward movement, “increase” is used to describe a gradual or general upward trend, while “raise” refers to a specific action that causes something to go up.

It’s important to use these words correctly in order to convey your intended meaning clearly. Using “raise” when you mean “increase” can lead to confusion or misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways:

• “Increase” refers to a gradual or general upward trend
• “Raise” refers to a specific action that causes something to go up
• Using these words correctly is important for clear communication

Remember that language is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on grammar and language use. By continuing to learn and improve your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator both in writing and in speech.