raise children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'raise children' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of parenting, such as in the sentence: "Many parents have been raising children for decades without any formal training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We raise children".

The New York Times

You need dignity to raise children.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, they raise children out of wedlock.

The Economist

"They stayed at home to raise children".

Independent

The Midwest, to raise children, is wonderful".

The New Yorker

"It's a toxic way to raise children".

The New York Times

Governments do not raise children — people do.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a terrific neighborhood to raise children".

The New York Times

"Fathers" are parents who raise children.

The New York Times

And it's great place to raise children".

The New York Times

It was a great place to raise children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In personal narratives or advice columns, use "raise children" to convey a sense of warmth, care, and dedication to the well-being of the child.

Common error

While providing for a child's needs is essential, avoid phrasing that suggests "raising children" is solely about financial support or material possessions. Focus on the nurturing, emotional, and educational aspects as well.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise children" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "raise" acts as a transitive verb and "children" is its direct object. It describes the action of nurturing, bringing up, and caring for offspring. Ludwig confirms the validity and widespread usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise children" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing the act of parenting and nurturing offspring. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across diverse contexts, mainly News & Media. While alternatives like "bring up children" or "rear children" exist, "raise children" remains a versatile and readily understood option. When using the phrase, consider emphasizing the emotional, educational, and holistic aspects of child-rearing rather than focusing solely on material provisions. Its frequency and acceptance across various registers make it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up children

Uses "bring up" instead of "raise", focusing on the act of nurturing and educating.

rear children

Replaces "raise" with "rear", suggesting a more formal or traditional upbringing.

nurture children

Emphasizes the caring and supportive aspect of raising children.

parent children

Focuses on the role of being a parent in the upbringing of children.

educate children

Highlights the educational aspect of raising children.

cultivate children

Suggests a more intentional and developmental approach to raising children.

guide children

Emphasizes providing direction and support to children as they grow.

foster children

Focuses on providing care and support, particularly in a non-biological family context.

develop children

Highlights the process of children's growth and maturation.

shape children's lives

Emphasizes the lasting impact of raising children on their future.

FAQs

How can I use "raise children" in a sentence?

You can use "raise children" to describe the act of nurturing and bringing up offspring, such as in the sentence "It takes a village to raise children".

What are some alternatives to "raise children"?

You can use alternatives such as "bring up children", "rear children", or "nurture children" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "raise children" or "bringing up children"?

Both "raise children" and "bringing up children" are acceptable and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "raise children" and "educate children"?

"Raise children" encompasses all aspects of bringing up a child, including nurturing and guiding them, while "educate children" specifically refers to providing them with formal or informal learning experiences.