Why do some people say "rising up"? You can't say rising down...?

Question

Thank you for the intelligent answer Lea.

Answer 1

First, as we all acknowledge "rise down" would make no sense, because "rise" INCLUDES the notion of moving UP-ward.

But it's a bit misleading to simply call "rise up" redundant, as if adding "up" is an inferior or even mistaken way to speak.

"Rise up" is useful for at least two reasons:

1) adding or 'repeating' an idea that's already in the word can add EMPHASIS and so strengthen what someone is saying or place emphasis on one aspect of it. (Compare "fall down" which focuses on the result or 'final location' more than "fall" by itself, which often focuses us more on the process of falling itself.)

In other words, "redundancy" is not meaningless; used properly it does add something to the communication.

2) the expression "rise up" also has developed a few specific, specialized uses which are different from "rise" without the preposition.

Note the following WordNet entry for "rise up":
verb
1. come to the surface [syn: surface]
2. take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance [syn: rebel]
3. stand up on the hind legs, of quadrupeds

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rise%20up


In fact, verb+preposition expressions with special idiomatic meanings are quite common in English, a useful tool we have for expanding the things we can say without inventing entirely new words.

Answer 2

Rising is the opposite of down.

Answer 3

"Reflect back"...umm...I think I've actually fallen up some steps, though...I'll think about it some more...

p.s. I'm quite surprised at the number of people who seem to be missing the point...It seems obvious to me. However, I'm very glad to now know all the definitions of rise, as given below :) Aren't you?

I think Stephanie should read my answer and the one directly above mine a little better :)

Answer 4

when you rise, you go up.
rising down would be an example of an oxymoron.

hope this helps.

Answer 5

That's actually a good question, and I think I am the only one who gets it.
up is redundant and there is no need for it.
The correct phrase would just be "rising"
Kudos.

Answer 6

Because of the definition of Rise:

rise
Pronunciation: 'rIz
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): rose /'rOz/; ris·en /'ri-z&n/; ris·ing /'rI-zi[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English rIsan; akin to Old High German rIsan to rise
1 a : to assume an upright position especially from lying, kneeling, or sitting b : to get up from sleep or from one's bed
2 : to return from death
3 : to take up arms
4 : to respond warmly : APPLAUD -- usually used with to
5 chiefly British : to end a session : ADJOURN
6 : to appear above the horizon
7 a : to move upward : ASCEND b : to increase in height, size, volume, or pitch
8 : to extend above other objects
9 a : to become heartened or elated b : to increase in fervor or intensity
10 a : to attain a higher level or rank b : to increase in quantity or number
11 a : to take place : HAPPEN b : to come into being : ORIGINATE
12 : to follow as a consequence : RESULT
13 : to exert oneself to meet a challenge

Because of the definition you can not possible rise(ing) down.

You would have to Lower Down. Which means the opposite of rise.

Answer 7

Because when you go down, you are descending, not rising.

Answer 8

Same reason you say "falling down". Actually I don't know, I'm sure there are many redundancies we've just gotten accustomed to saying.

Answer 9

How do you "rise" down? Doh

Answer 10

Yes we can.