What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rising
Example
The rising cost of living is a concern for many people. [rising: adjective]
Example
She felt her heart rate rising as she approached the finish line. [rising: present participle]
Example
The hot air balloon was slowly rising into the sky. [rising: verb]
upward
Example
The stock market has shown an upward trend in recent months. [upward: adjective]
Example
The company's profits have been on an upward trajectory since the new CEO took over. [upward: noun]
Example
The bird flew upward into the clear blue sky. [upward: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rising is more commonly used than upward in everyday language, but both words are widely used in different contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rising and upward?
Upward is more formal than rising and is often used in technical or academic contexts, while rising is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.