The English language is filled with intricacies and nuances that can often confuse even the most seasoned speakers. One common point of confusion is the correct past tense of the verb “arise.” Many people wonder whether to use “arised” or “arose.”
In this article, we will explore the correct form, provide examples, and clarify why understanding this distinction is essential for effective communication.
Understanding the Verb “Arise”

Before diving into the past tense forms, it’s important to understand the meaning of the verb “arise.” This verb means to emerge, come into being, or become apparent. It is often used in contexts where something becomes noticeable or starts to happen.
Example Scenario
Consider a situation where a new issue comes to light during a meeting. You might say, “A problem arises when we don’t communicate clearly.” Here, “arises” indicates that the problem is emerging at that moment.
The Correct Past Tense: “Arose”
The correct past tense of “arise” is “arose.” This form is used to describe an event that happened in the past. It is important to note that “arose” is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the regular pattern of adding “-ed” to form the past tense.
Example Scenario
Imagine reflecting on a past event where a conflict occurred. You might say, “A disagreement arose between the two departments during the project.” In this case, “arose” indicates that the disagreement happened at a specific time in the past.
The Incorrect Form: “Arised”

While many people mistakenly use “arised” as the past tense of “arise,” it is not a valid form in English. The confusion often arises from the tendency to apply regular verb rules to irregular verbs.
Why “Arised” Is Incorrect
English has many irregular verbs that do not conform to the typical rules of conjugation. For instance, the verb “rise” becomes “rose” in the past tense, similar to how “arise” becomes “arose.” Thus, using “arised” is a grammatical error.
Example Scenario
Consider a situation in a casual conversation where someone incorrectly states, “Yesterday, the issue arised unexpectedly.” This usage is incorrect, and the speaker should instead say, “Yesterday, the issue arose unexpectedly” to maintain grammatical accuracy.
The Importance of Correct Usage
Using the correct past tense forms is vital for clear and effective communication. Incorrect forms can lead to misunderstandings or make the speaker seem less knowledgeable about the language.
Scenario 1: Professional Communication
In a professional setting, using the correct terminology is essential. For example, in an email summarizing a meeting, one might write, “Several challenges arose during the discussion.” If they were to say, “Several challenges arised during the discussion,” it would signal a lack of attention to detail, potentially undermining their credibility.
Scenario 2: Academic Writing
In academic writing, precision is even more critical. A researcher might state, “New questions arose from the findings.” If they write, “New questions arised from the findings,” it could detract from the professionalism of their work, leading readers to question their expertise.
How to Remember the Correct Form

To avoid the confusion between “arose” and “arised,” consider the following tips:
1. Connect to Related Verbs
Connecting “arise” with its related verbs can help. For example, remember that “rise” becomes “rose,” just like “arise” becomes “arose.” Associating these verbs can solidify the correct forms in your mind.
2. Practice in Context
Practice using “arose” in various sentences. The more you use the word in context, the more familiar it will become. For instance, you might write, “When the sun arose, the day began,” to reinforce the correct past tense.
3. Read Aloud
Reading sentences aloud can help you catch errors. If you say, “The issue arised last week,” it may sound off and prompt you to correct it to “arose.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct past tense of the verb “arise” is “arose.” Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication in both spoken and written English. By using the correct form, you convey clarity and professionalism, whether in casual conversations, academic writing, or professional correspondence.