pay rise

Meaning

A 'pay rise' is an increase in the amount of money you earn from your job. This term is most commonly used in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, while American English speakers usually prefer 'pay raise'. It is a standard, neutral term used in both casual and professional settings.

Examples

• After working there for a year, she finally got a pay rise.

  After working there for a year, she finally got a pay rise.

• He is hoping to ask his boss for a pay rise next week.

  He is hoping to ask his boss for a pay rise next week.

• The company promised a five percent pay rise to all employees.

  The company promised a five percent pay rise to all employees.

• I need a pay rise if I'm going to afford this new apartment.

  I need a pay rise if I'm going to afford this new apartment.

• Did you hear that the union negotiated a significant pay rise?

  Did you hear that the union negotiated a significant pay rise?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am going to ask for a pay rise of my salary.

  ✓ I am going to ask for a pay rise.

  A 'pay rise' already refers to your salary or wages, so adding 'of my salary' is redundant.

• ✗ My boss rose my pay yesterday.

  ✓ My boss gave me a pay rise yesterday.

  'Rise' is an intransitive verb, so you cannot 'rise someone's pay'. You either 'get a pay rise' or your boss 'gives you a pay rise'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I've been working so hard lately, I think I deserve a ___.

  💡 an increase in salary

  Show answer

  pay rise

• The company announced they cannot offer a ___ this year due to budget cuts.

  💡 salary increase

  Show answer

  pay rise