give rise

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiomformal

   To cause something to happen or to start to exist, especially a problem, feeling or situation.

   Grammar: Always used with 'to' before the result: give rise to doubts, give rise to a new industry.

   Patterns

   • give rise to something

   The new rules gave rise to a lot of complaints from staff.

   Poor communication can give rise to serious misunderstandings.

   The discovery gave rise to an entirely new field of research.

Common combinations

give rise to concern

The sudden drop in sales gave rise to concern among investors.

give rise to speculation

His unexpected resignation gave rise to speculation about a conflict.

give rise to problems

Mixing these chemicals can give rise to problems in the lab.

give rise to a new generation of something

The technology gave rise to a new generation of small businesses.

Synonyms and how they differ

cause

Direct and general; give rise to is more formal and often suggests a gradual or indirect result.

lead to

Emphasizes a chain of events; give rise to emphasizes bringing something into existence.

produce

Often used for physical things or results; give rise to is used for situations and reactions.

Word family

rise noun

An increase or upward movement.

Commonly confused: give rise or give rise to?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “give rise”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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