ask for a raise

Meaning

This phrase means to formally or informally request an increase in your salary or hourly wages from your employer. It is a common workplace conversation topic that requires a polite but confident tone. While 'raise' is standard in American English, 'rise' is often used in British English.

Examples

• It takes a lot of courage to ask for a raise, but you deserve it.

  It takes a lot of courage to ask for a raise, but you deserve it.

• She scheduled a meeting with her manager to ask for a raise.

  She scheduled a meeting with her manager to ask for a raise.

• Before you ask for a raise, make sure to list your recent achievements.

  Before you ask for a raise, make sure to list your recent achievements.

• I want to ask for a raise, but I'm worried about the company's financial situation.

  I want to ask for a raise, but I'm worried about the company's financial situation.

• He successfully managed to ask for a raise and got a ten percent increase.

  He successfully managed to ask for a raise and got a ten percent increase.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask for a rise of my boss.

  ✓ I want to ask my boss for a raise.

  You ask someone for something. The preposition 'of' is incorrect here when referring to the person you are asking.

• ✗ She is going to ask a raise next week.

  ✓ She is going to ask for a raise next week.

  You must use the preposition 'for' after 'ask' when you are requesting something.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you feel undervalued at work, you should prepare to ___.

  💡 request more money from your boss

  Show answer

  ask for a raise

• She was nervous to ___ because she had only been with the company for six months.

  💡 request a salary increase

  Show answer

  ask for a raise