Arise or rise?

Arise means ‘happen’ or ‘occur’. We use it with abstract nouns (e.g. problem). The three forms of arise are arise, arose, arisen. It is used in formal contexts:

• An opportunity arose and he decided to take the job in Brussels.
• A problem has arisen with my passport.

Rise means ‘go up’. The three forms of rise are rise, rose, risen:

• The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
• Food prices have risen a lot in the last few months.

See also

• Raise or rise?