I'd Like to Discuss a Raise: How to Ask Politely

Meaning 1：ask for a raise (I'd like to discuss a raise)

I'd like to discuss a raise 🔊

/aɪd laɪk tə dɪˈskʌs ə reɪz/

phrase

A polite way to ask your boss or manager for a higher salary.

I'd like to discuss a raise: professional asking manager for salary talk

ask for a raise 🔊

➕

/ˈæsk fɔːr ə reɪz/

phrase

A polite and indirect way to initiate a conversation about increasing one's salary with a supervisor or employer.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

"Raise" < Old Norse "reisa" (rise); "discuss" < Latin "discutere" (shake apart).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine raising your hand to ask for more money — "discuss a raise" = talk + rise.

📖 Example

After completing the successful project, I scheduled a meeting with my manager to I'd like to discuss a raise. 🔊 After completing the successful project, I scheduled a meeting with my manager to talk about a salary increase.

🔗 Collocations

discuss a raise with the manager – talk about salary increase with the supervisor

bring up a raise in the meeting – mention pay raise during the meeting

negotiate a raise – bargain for higher pay

🔄 Synonyms

ask for a pay increase (phrase) – to request a higher salary

request a salary adjustment (phrase) – to formally ask for a change in one's pay

talk about a raise (phrase) – to discuss the possibility of a salary increase

🚫 Antonyms

accept a pay cut (phrase) – to agree to receive less salary

quit without asking (phrase) – to leave the job without discussing salary

📖 Cultural Story

Common in corporate performance reviews since the 20th century. This polite phrasing became standard to request salary increases without confrontation, reflecting modern professional communication.