raise a child

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise a child" is correct and useful in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of a parent providing emotional and physical support, guidance, and resources to a child. For example, "It takes a lot of courage and commitment to raise a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had different philosophies about how you raise a child.

The New York Times

"It costs a lot to raise a child".

The New York Times

"We work, we have lives, we raise a child.

The New York Times - Sports

What is the best way to raise a child?

MIT Technology Review

It's supposed to take a village to raise a child.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are different ways to raise a child.

The Times

After all, it takes a village to raise a child.

The Guardian

A cul-de-sac? – to raise a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I knew I was mature enough to raise a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Las Vegas is a difficult place to raise a child.

The New York Times

As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the collective effort in child-rearing, use the idiom "it takes a village to raise a child" to emphasize community involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "raise a child" solely in the context of financial support. While finances are important, the phrase encompasses emotional, educational, and moral development too.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise a child" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as an infinitive or gerund, to describe the action of bringing up a child. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and useful, citing examples from various reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise a child" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes the process of nurturing and developing a child into adulthood. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and utility across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. Remember that while the phrase implies financial support, it encompasses the broader spectrum of emotional, educational, and moral upbringing. Consider related phrases like "bring up a child" or "nurture a child" to add nuance to your writing, and always be mindful of the communal aspect highlighted by the idiom "it takes a village to raise a child".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up a child

Focuses on the act of nurturing and educating a child from infancy to adulthood.

rear a child

Highlights the act of caring for and training a child, often emphasizing discipline and moral development.

nurture a child

Emphasizes the emotional and developmental support given to a child, fostering growth and well-being.

parent a child

Focuses on the role and responsibilities of being a parent in a child's life.

educate a child

Highlights the aspect of providing formal or informal learning opportunities for a child's development.

care for a child

Emphasizes the provision of physical and emotional care necessary for a child's well-being.

guide a child

Focuses on providing direction and advice to help a child navigate life's challenges.

develop a child

Emphasizes fostering the overall growth and potential of a child in various aspects of life.

mold a child

Highlights the influence and shaping of a child's character and values.

foster a child

Involves providing temporary care and support for a child who is not one's own.

FAQs

What does it mean to "raise a child"?

To "raise a child" means to nurture, educate, and support a child from infancy to adulthood, encompassing physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

What are some common phrases similar to "raise a child"?

Similar phrases include "bring up a child", "rear a child", and "nurture a child", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "raising a child" or should it be "to raise a child"?

Both "raising a child" and "to raise a child" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Raising a child" is a gerund phrase (noun), while "to raise a child" is an infinitive phrase (can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb).

How has the meaning of "it takes a village to raise a child" evolved?

Originally, it highlighted the importance of community involvement in child-rearing. Today, it often refers to the broader support system, including family, friends, and professional services, necessary to "bring up a child" effectively.