raise a toast

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise a toast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to make a toast when drinking alcohol in celebratory situations (such as during a wedding, anniversary, or birthday). For example, "Let us raise a toast to celebrate Jane's engagement!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So now we raise a toast.

The New York Times

Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong-un raise a toast.

The Guardian

We can all raise a toast of butterbeer to that.

The Guardian - Film

"When they raise a toast, I'll be ready to pick them out with my rifle".

Independent

If you think about it, raise a toast in the group's honor.

The New York Times

I even refer to myself as "their understudy" as I raise a toast to their ghosts.

The New York Times

Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong-un raise a toast in September 2013.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expensive, arguably unnecessary and classy as hell – let us raise a toast.

The Guardian - Tech

TOMORROW night, as you watch the fireworks, don't forget to raise a toast to George III.

The New York Times

Yet they and the rest of the state might do well to raise a toast to Bill Richardson.

The Economist

"I'd like to raise a toast for Joseph Moran and all of the Joseph Morans," O'Dowd said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise a toast" in celebratory or formal contexts to honor someone or something. Ensure the tone matches the occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "raise a toast" in casual or everyday situations where simpler expressions of celebration or acknowledgment would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "raise a toast" is as a verb phrase functioning as an idiomatic expression, typically used to introduce or suggest a celebratory act of drinking in someone's honor. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise a toast" is a grammatically correct and very common idiomatic expression used to propose a celebratory drink in honor of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with occasional use in formal and business settings. When considering alternatives, phrases like "propose a toast" or "offer a toast" can be used for similar effect, depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to use "raise a toast" appropriately in celebratory or formal settings, avoiding overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propose a toast

Replaces "raise" with "propose", emphasizing the act of suggesting the toast.

offer a toast

Substitutes "raise" with "offer", focusing on the presentation of the toast.

make a toast

Uses "make" instead of "raise", highlighting the action of giving the toast.

drink to

Focuses on the act of drinking in honor of someone or something.

toast to

Similar to "drink to", but emphasizes the act of toasting.

honor with a drink

Explicitly states the act of honoring someone with a drink.

salute with a drink

Similar to "honor with a drink", but uses "salute" for a more formal tone.

give a salute to

Moves away from the drinking context, focusing on a general expression of respect.

pay homage to

A more general way of showing respect or reverence, not necessarily involving a drink.

express appreciation for

Focuses on the expression of gratitude, without the celebratory aspect.

FAQs

How to use "raise a toast" in a sentence?

You can use "raise a toast" to propose a celebratory drink. For example, "Let's raise a toast to the happy couple" or "I'd like to raise a toast to our team's success".

What can I say instead of "raise a toast"?

You can use alternatives like "propose a toast", "offer a toast", or "drink to depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to "raise a toast" in a formal setting?

Yes, "raise a toast" is perfectly acceptable and often encouraged in formal settings such as weddings, banquets, and award ceremonies as a way to honor someone or celebrate an achievement.

What is the origin of the expression "raise a toast"?

The tradition of toasting dates back to ancient times, where offering a drink to someone was a sign of goodwill and honor. The phrase "raise a toast" has evolved to specifically refer to the act of lifting a glass in celebration.