raise the stakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise the stakes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that the risk or difficulty of something is being increased. For example: "The competition is getting tough - I think it's time to raise the stakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's "Raise the stakes!

The Guardian

Collins seemed to raise the stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

HIRSCHBERG: "Let's raise the stakes"?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Anderson continues to raise the stakes.

The New York Times

But he did not raise the stakes.

The New Yorker

You always hear "Let's raise the stakes".

The New York Times - Magazine

Clearly it's time to raise the stakes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Okay, so let's raise the stakes a bit.

Yale University

But North Korea could yet raise the stakes again.

The Economist

Long's response to this setback was to raise the stakes.

The New Yorker

Then someone upstairs seemed to raise the stakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the stakes", consider the context and ensure the phrase accurately reflects an increase in risk, reward, or significance. Be mindful of overusing it; sometimes a more precise term might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the stakes" when simply adding more elements to a situation without necessarily increasing the risk or potential reward. Make sure a real escalation is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the stakes" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe an intentional act of increasing the potential risks and rewards associated with a situation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise the stakes" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies increasing the risk or reward in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news and academic settings. When incorporating "raise the stakes" into writing, ensure that it accurately reflects an escalation of risk and is not merely a superfluous addition. Alternatives like "up the ante" or "increase the risk" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider more precise language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up the ante

Replaces "raise" with "up" and "stakes" with "ante", using a poker idiom for increased commitment.

increase the risk

Substitutes "stakes" with "risk", focusing on the potential negative consequences.

heighten the intensity

Replaces "raise the stakes" with a focus on escalating emotional or competitive intensity.

escalate the situation

Focuses on the act of escalating a situation, rather than directly increasing stakes.

sweeten the pot

Uses a different poker metaphor to describe adding more incentives or rewards.

raise the level of competition

Replaces "stakes" with the idea of increasing the level of rivalry.

intensify the pressure

Focuses on the increase of pressure as a consequence of raising the stakes.

magnify the importance

Highlights the act of enhancing the significance or relevance of something.

aggravate the matter

Suggests worsening a situation, emphasizing negative escalation.

complicate the situation

Focuses on increasing the complexity rather than directly raising what is at stake.

FAQs

How can I use "raise the stakes" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the stakes" to describe increasing the potential gains or losses in a situation, such as "The company decided to raise the stakes by investing in new technology." or "He decided to "up the ante" in the negotiation".

What does "raise the stakes" mean?

Raising the stakes means increasing the level of risk or reward in a particular situation. It implies that the outcome will have more significant consequences.

Which is correct, "raise the stakes" or "rise the stakes"?

"Raise the stakes" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Rise the stakes" is not grammatically correct.

What are some alternatives to "raise the stakes"?

Some alternatives include "up the ante", "increase the risk", or "escalate the situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.