SpeakUp

Grammar fix

raise your hand

lift hand

to lift your hand in the air, usually to show you want to speak or ask a question, especially in a classroom or meeting.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • If you have a question, please raise your hand.education
  • In my school, students always have to raise their hand before speaking in class.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: raise your hand (for/to do something)

WrongRaise up your hand if you agree.

RightRaise your hand if you agree.

'Raise' means lift — don't add 'up' ('put your hand UP' is the version that uses 'up').

Patternraise your hand (for/to do something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Kindly elevate your hand should you wish to contribute.

Natural Just put your hand up if you want to speak.

In everyday speech natives often say 'put your hand up'; 'elevate your hand' is comically formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • raise/put + hand
    your handa handyour hand upif you know

Don't confuse it

Not to be confused with 'raise your hands' (plural), which can mean to surrender or give up in some contexts.

Try it in Daily Speak →