What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
step up
Example
We need to step up our game if we want to win this competition. [step up: phrasal verb]
Example
After years of hard work, she finally stepped up to a management position. [stepped up: past tense]
Example
He had to step up onto the platform to reach the microphone. [step up: verb]
rise
Example
The price of gas has risen significantly in the past few months. [rise: verb]
Example
She felt dizzy when she tried to rise from her chair too quickly. [rise: verb]
Example
The hot air balloon began to rise into the sky. [rise: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rise is more commonly used than step up in everyday language. Rise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while step up is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between step up and rise?
Both step up and rise can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rise is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
