What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hoist
Example
We need to hoist the piano up to the third floor. [hoist: verb]
Example
The sailors hoisted the sails to catch the wind. [hoisted: past tense]
Example
The workers used a crane to hoist the steel beams into place. [hoisting: gerund or present participle]
raise
Example
Can you help me raise this box onto the shelf? [raise: verb]
Example
The company decided to raise their prices due to inflation. [raised: past tense]
Example
She raised the issue of workplace safety during the meeting. [raising: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Raise is more commonly used than hoist in everyday language. Raise is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while hoist is more specific and often used in industrial or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hoist and raise?
Both hoist and raise can be used in formal or informal settings, but hoist may be associated with a more technical or specialized tone, while raise is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of formality levels.
