rise above it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rise above it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to overcome challenges or negativity and maintain a positive attitude. Example: "Despite the criticism, she chose to rise above it and focus on her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He tried to rise above it.

The New Yorker

Let's both just rise above it.

The Guardian - Film

Like Scruff, he seems unlikely to rise above it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Whatever the outcome of this, he can rise above it.

The Guardian

Mashaba says he'll rise above it, like "Jesus Christ himself.

The Guardian - Sport

You have to have strength to rise above it".

The New York Times

To take all this in, rise above it.

The New York Times - Travel

He realized that sometimes you can't rise above it.

The New York Times

But Updike does not so much avoid this task as rise above it.

The New York Times - Books

"I have to commend the players for being able to rise above it all.

The New York Times - Sports

He knew to rise above it and discuss his recent European summit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rise above it" when you want to encourage someone to not be defined or affected by a negative situation, focusing instead on maintaining dignity and perspective.

Common error

Don't use "rise above it" to suggest simply ignoring a problem. It implies actively addressing the situation with a resilient and positive attitude, not passively accepting it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rise above it" is as a verb phrase acting as an intransitive verb with an object pronoun, encouraging someone to transcend negative circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Huffington Post

10%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rise above it" is a commonly used and grammatically sound verb phrase that encourages resilience and a positive mindset when facing adversity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. While it maintains a neutral register, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When advising someone to "rise above it", you are encouraging them to actively confront challenges with strength and optimism, rather than passively ignoring them. Consider alternatives like "overcome it" or "transcend it" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transcend it

Implies surpassing or exceeding the negative influence, suggesting a higher level of understanding or detachment.

overcome it

Focuses on successfully dealing with and conquering a difficulty or challenge.

rise above the fray

Suggests distancing oneself from a conflict or chaotic situation to maintain composure and objectivity.

take the high road

Implies choosing the more ethical or noble course of action, even when it's difficult.

keep your head up

Offers encouragement to remain positive and resilient during tough times.

stay positive

Encourages maintaining an optimistic outlook and attitude.

turn the other cheek

Advocates for non-retaliation and forgiveness in the face of insult or mistreatment.

don't let it get you down

Advises against allowing a negative experience to affect one's mood or spirit.

see the bigger picture

Promotes focusing on the broader context and long-term goals to minimize the impact of present difficulties.

let it go

Suggests releasing negative emotions or attachments to move forward.

FAQs

How can I use "rise above it" in a sentence?

You can use "rise above it" when you want to express the idea of overcoming a difficult situation or negative emotions by maintaining a positive attitude. For example, "Despite the challenges, she chose to "rise above it" and focus on her goals".

What are some alternatives to "rise above it"?

Some alternatives to "rise above it" include "overcome it", "transcend it", or "take the high road", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rise above it" formal or informal?

"Rise above it" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, more sophisticated alternatives like "transcend the issue" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "rise above it" and "ignore it"?

"Rise above it" implies actively confronting a problem with resilience and a positive attitude, while "ignore it" suggests avoiding or disregarding the problem entirely. The former is an active coping mechanism, while the latter is a passive avoidance strategy.