How To Use Raising In A Sentence

I again affirm that I need make no apology for attaching my name to that of one so worthy the esteem of his co-dogs, ay, and co-cats too; for in spite of the differences which have so often raised up a barrier between the members of his race and ours, not even the noblest among us could be degraded by raising a "mew" to the honour of such a thoroughly honest dog. The Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog Too
The cash raising was not unexpected and allows a few more shareholders on board. Times, Sunday Times
Union officials privately acknowledge that Phoenix's achilles heel has always been the difficulties it would face raising the necessary finance.
Many other venture capital firms besides InterWest are raising new rounds of capital.
The only cloud on the immediate horizon is raising a mortgage - especially if you are a first time buyer.

Linguix Browser extension

Fix your writing
on millions of websites

Get Started
For Free Watch how it works

The layout of the enclosures, paddocks, and yards suggests an emphasis on stock-raising.
Starting this month, rival United Parcel Service Inc.'s freight division is raising average noncontractual shipping rates in North America by 6.9%, as the industry copes with rapidly rising fuel costs. FedEx to Raise U.S., Canada Freight Rates 6.8%
Cash will be the vital ingredient as celebrity chefs cook up a special fundraising treat for charity.
Really?" she said, raising a sardonic eyebrow.
I reckon we're in danger of raising a whole generation of undiscriminating couch potatoes afflicted by TV-induced Attention Deficit Disorder.
* In primitive conditions, given the unsually demanding task (compared to other mammals) of raising human babies, paternal investment in offspring is required. The Volokh Conspiracy » Interracial Marriage Rates Going Up
The divided and conquered nature of the country has made it easy for oil to be tapped without raising the ire of countries worldwide.
You are raising a question really about typicality.
Whether you ride a moped or a Honda, a scooter or a vintage Hog, the organisers of the annual North Coast Children's Motorcycle Toy Run want you to join the ranks raising money for charity this weekend.
World Heart Day is a global initiative with the sole aim of raising awareness about heart health and is being supported by the World Heart Federation.
The bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 9%, where it has been since November, and the rediscount rate at 12%, after raising it from 7% last month. Vietnam Raises Rates
In a bold response, Congressional leaders added a measure to the energy bill raising fuel economy by one mile per gallon.
For such clients raising a second mortgage to pay off the credit card debt often seems the only answer.
This is despite the fact that no account has been taken of the potentially depressing impact on economic activity and revenue buoyancy of their tax raising proposals.
The data will strengthen arguments that raising the retirement age will penalise the poorest. Times, Sunday Times
It was one of the largest superlocal co-op chains of grain silos in the Midwest and aggressively tried new ventures, from raising hogs to processing soybeans for food.
He is one of a platoon of French intellectuals praising the game as a noble art compared with the selfish showmanship of football. Times, Sunday Times
Order maintenance is clearly a political enterprise, raising questions of definition, equity and accountability.
I learned the word dépanneur 'convenience store'; I heard the affricated d and t; I did not notice the tense/lax vowels or the -tu questions; I did notice the contractions (chais &c) and a feature nobody mentioned in the comments, the raising of nasalized vowels: vent sounded almost like vin (with /æ/ as in hat), and vin had a high [e] and sounded diphthongized ([veiN]) -- in fact, one guy said matin so that it struck my ears as [matiN]. Languagehat.com: MONTREAL 2.
He would soon be of age, and it was necessary to make some terms to prevent the loss the estate would suffer by raising money on post-obit bonds. Biographical Sketch
There is no objection, as far as we are concerned, in raising the prices.
One of the most characteristic signals of a cat entering or leaving a social group is the raising of its tail.
Problem is, they're too busy raising money for charity or building an electric bike to care that their dad is holding out an olive branch. The Sun
Beyond, the Pacific, dim and vast, was raising on its sky-line tumbled cloud-masses that swept landward, giving warning of the first blustering breath of winter. Chapter 21
The Long Island state assemblywoman complained, 'I don't know where we're going to find it without raising taxes.'
She screamed to the sky, raising her fists as if to try and hit the superlunary force behind it.
The couple said they will be organising lots of fundraising events over the coming year.
The same trainer and jockey joined forces yesterday to clinch a shock 50-1 success with Bagan in the curtain-raising handicap.
He has also contributed to the fundraising. Times, Sunday Times
He looked alert, raising hopes he was making progress following the surgery.
It's just another challenge on top of all the demands for accountability and raising test scores.
He dismissed the idea that raising taxes alone might help erase the deficit, saying "raising taxes doesn't do a dern thing" to address health care costs that are projected to be a big driver of future fiscal problems. Bowles Predicts Support for Deficit Deal
As an aside to its fundraising campaign, the Sussex Archaeological Society is inviting the 1960s diggers to a reunion on 22 May - all 800 of them.
Switzerland has a 4.5 per cent ratio and is considering raising it. Times, Sunday Times
It is a scourge to a sinful land; as once it was for the destruction of the whole world, so it is now often for the correction or discipline of some parts of it, by hindering seedness and harvest, raising the waters, and damaging the fruits. Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume III (Job to Song of Solomon)
Critics called the plot insensitive and offensive, raising questions about why this book was published in the first place. Christianity Today
Raising animals was only secondary to other forms of farming.
Tait stroked his beard again with long, elegant fingers, appraising her with colourless eyes.
The bill proposes raising the ownership limit from the current 12 stations covering no more than 25 percent of the country.
Death s inevitable.It's a promise made to each of us at birth.But before that promise is kept,we all hope something will happen to us,whether it is the thrill of romance,the joy of raising a family,or the anguish of great loss.We all hope to experience something that make our lives meaningful,but the sad fact is,not all lives have meaning.Some people spend their time on this planet just sitting on the sidelines,waiting for something to happen to them,before it's too late.
It's not for nothing that Cimarusti married Christina Echiverri, a retired pastry chef now raising their new baby girl.
Cooking it that way makes it sweet - kind of like braising endive.
It's not as hair-raising as I thought it might be - mostly uniforms in display cases and a cannon in the middle of the room.
Kata training is great for defense, raising your level of fitness, toning your body muscles and releasing those dangerously high levels of stress.
It may be said that there is an evidentiary onus on an accused person in raising a defence of alibi.
This includes raising standards and expanding the role of charter schools and merit pay for teachers.
[A] divine fire coming down visibly, with a terrible noise, from heaven upon the holy community of sisters while they were praising God in their psalmody. Sensual Encounters: Monastic Women and Spirituality in Medieval Germany
Fold in the almonds and self-raising flour to give a smooth mixture. Times, Sunday Times
Some of the fundraising events planned to help raise €17,000 include 24-hour fasts and an American tea party later in the year.
The man was whittling a stave of birchwood into a rude axe-handle, and asked the question without raising his head. THE GREAT INTERROGATION
In addition, some require that the underwriting risk associated with raising new capital be mutualized by the group of participating institutions acting as a syndicate. Director's Blog » Blog Archive » House Budget Testimony on Financial Markets
This chapter examines the processes of revenue raising, allocation, spending and control.
BTW for those speculating about what the commandoes did or did not expect, how about discussing the issue of raising the white flag? The Volokh Conspiracy » Greenwald and Gaza
I'm not getting involved in this fund-raising scheme if it isn't legit.
Other examples are negative numbers, complex numbers, trigonometry, raising to powers, logarithms, and the beginnings of calculus.
After high school she tried college but got thrown out for raising coonhounds in her dorm room.
Zack, all beaming blondness and supersocial to the core, charmed all the guests, crawling on the lawn and the deck, raising his arms to ask people to pick him up. Falling Apart in One Piece
Agricultural improvement required the elimination of the fallow and the raising of yields, but such innovation required more animals: manure-machines for the arable.
I began composing an introduction praising the spiritual enlightenment exhibited in choosing to congregate in taverns, like 1849 San Jose legislators stepping in from muddy streets to drink whisky on barrelheads, before plotting out the future of nascent California.
The raising of taxes without the assent of Parliament was declared illegal.
The charity aims to highlight excellence and encourage best practice in teaching by raising the profile and public perception of the teaching profession.
His wounded hand wrapped in towels, he is raising the vodka bottle to down its remnants, when "his gaze drifted over the top of the cabinet door and he saw the camera". The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
The poll highlights the problems Labour would have in raising business confidence.
Raising pigs and chicken was his hobby and he bought the porker four years ago.
They proposed raising the age of consent from thirteen to sixteen and extending the provisions of the Industrial Schools Amendment Act.
But Reno has given no indication she will seek an independent counsel on political fund raising.
Those koa trees will do more than just provide roosting sites for birds, they'll also help capture moisture, raising the air temperature near them by as much as 5 degrees.
With Raising Hope, Greg Garcia captures a smart take on the working-class family with a great mix of wild comedy and a big dose of heart," Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said in a statement. Fox Picks Up Raising Hope For Full Season
By taking over the company, OMV said it was raising its presence in Turkey, which it considers a "bridgehead" to the Middle East and the Caspian region. OMV Taking Over Petrol Ofisi of Turkey - NYTimes.com
Anhui Cuisine Anhui Cuisine chefs focus much more attention on the temperature in cooking and are good at braising and stewing. Often hams will be added to improve taste and sugar candy added to gain.
The way a devaluation works is to cut real wages (by raising import prices) while keeping nominal wages constant. Times, Sunday Times
I hope you don't feel that I am being impertinent to you in raising those matters with you.
In the 20th century these companies grew by raising huge sums in small amounts from widely dispersed shareholders. Times, Sunday Times
That would be at least $1.6 million more in fundraising than the DNC's counterpart, the Republican National Committee, which reported bringing in $11.4 million last month. DNC beats RNC in March cash haul
It left Bradford coach Brian Noble fuming and many others raising questions about the validity of the player's actions.
The water needed to be tapped from a reliable spring four miles away raising the cost of the scheme to £3,000 - to be paid by the householders.
Music has the power of raising the human spirit, and promoting human courage and bravery. Dr T.P.Chia
As long as workers produce more per hour, companies can lift pay without raising prices - keeping a lid on inflation. Times, Sunday Times
I am a housewife raising a family, paying a mortgage and doing the usual things that people do.
Politically, raising the minimum wage is good for the Democrats.
The Chamber of Commerce is behind this year's annual fund-raising dinner.
The worst stock market slump in 30 years has hammered global financial stocks, raising fears about the capital strength of banks and insurers.
An intrepid group are set to take to the highways and byways of the county as part of a fundraising drive for cancer research.
A group of students are staging a fund-raising show, inspired by stories about local hospices in the Journal.
But the dogs are baying for more, with Labour raising questions about future payouts. Times, Sunday Times
He is not against raising the people's standard of living, but he insists that economic solutions are not a cure-all, and that moral factors also need to be taken into account.
The reason: The vitamin is involved in raising a healthy immune response.
Tamara, without haste, with a pin refastens the fabric more conveniently on her knee, smooths the seam down with the thimble, and speaks, without raising the narrowed eyes, her head bent just Yama: the pit
Since his appointment last month, Mr. Abrams directed a legal staff of five to conduct what he described as a "vigorous review" of the campaign's fund-raising practices since December 2010. Abrams Resigns From Liu Inquiry
They are already praising you for being ‘such a gentleman’ and promising next time the treat's on them!
The last chukka saw both teams go all out and play some very fanciful and accurate polo, raising the excitement to a fevered pitch.
The dog leaped away without a sound; the man, raising his voice a little, said with a slow laugh, ‘Look at that wretched cur,’ and directly afterwards we became separated by a lot of people pushing in.
We can ponder over the ways and means for raising funds before the construction work starts.
In the afternoon, I encountered another hair-raising incident.
Place the dough on greased baking sheets, raising the edges of each piece slightly to contain the topping. 5.
Subsequently, over the course of a five year program, 1500 new apiculturists will be trained in the raising of beehives and in the production of high quality honey.
This will allow it to invest further in such technologies; there was a similar raising of cash a year ago. Times, Sunday Times
In the guest categories, lots of Saturday Night Live guest hosts, including double-dipper Tina Fey and Justin Timberlake, and Glee headliners like Kristin Chenoweth and Gwyneth Paltrow, but the real puzzlement is Raising Hope's Cloris Leachman, who was a regular cast member in everything but actual billing. Critic's Notebook: The Emmy Nominations
No man ever grew up in the agricultural regions of the West, where a house-raising, or even a corn-husking is a matter of common interest and helpfulness, with any other feeling than that of broad-minded, generous independence. On the Death of Garfield
For the companies in the latter category, raising money from VCs who expect the big exits can misalign goals. Fred Wilson: What Is A Revenue Based Loan?
The bonxie surveyed me coldly, raising dark wings and issuing a harsh double croak from its hooked, halfopen beak. Times, Sunday Times
Another from Tanagra in Boiotia shows a person raising a kylix or goblet while another individual raises both hands in an apparent gesture of mourning.
His party is also being beset by fundraising scandals at just the moment when it needs public trust. Times, Sunday Times
This would drastically alter the emphasis of most campaign fund-raising operations and increase the ability of individuals to affect the outcomes.
The ride, which has been described as a ‘hair-raising cross between a rollercoaster and a waltzer,’ was only opened in May by girl band The Honeyz.
The oldest staff maintained discipline often just with the raising of an eyebrow and rarely shouted. Times, Sunday Times
If you try to report a burglary or street crime anywhere, you get a crime number but all our units are out raising parking wonga and speeding tickets.
And as for those Greek words anastenai and egei'rein, they endeavour to shew, by other like places of scripture, that they signify no more than the bare suscitation, raising, or giving being to a thing, without its having fallen or perished before. Sermons Preached Upon Several Occasions. Vol. III.
We were in the middle of a broad and now sluggish river the banks of which were lined by giant, arboraceous ferns, raising their mighty fronds fifty, one hundred, two hundred feet into the quiet air. The Land That Time Forgot
The group has been fundraising the estimated $8 million needed to run a length of track from London Farm to Garry Point Park.
Charmed by his obliqueness - ‘doing’ and ‘getting’ as euphemisms for fundraising and boondoggling - I told him the name of my book.
The market's latest surge and its propensity to reverse every attempt at an intraday selloff show how investors have become more daring, raising the risk of a near-term stumble as complacency grows. The Economic Times
The sanitary issues of raising more than 50 Labradors in a pigpen apparently didn't set off any alarms, because with demand so high, all the puppies were sold even before they were born.
I only wish I had the nerve to try some of the more hair-raising pastimes enjoyed by some of our older citizens, but am far too much of a coward and layabout!
Also discussed was a revenue - raising proposal to hide the sales tax.
In his first years as chairman he was instrumental in raising the company's wider profile.
He was surely the reason why I remained in grade school and failed to earn millions by raising mushrooms, breeding chinchillas or stuffing envelopes at home.
It said the action had been taken after the money transfer firms had refused to allow their service to be used for what it called terrorist fundraising.
He sat back in the open coach, "hunched" together in an ungainly heap, looking neither to the right nor the left, evincing no consciousness of the existence of the shouting throngs that lined the pavements ten deep, other than by raising, with the lifeless precision of a mechanical toy, the cocked hat he wore as part of the uniform of a British colonel. Marion Harland's autobiography : the story of a long life,
Something of a maverick figure, he has a long record of raising awkward questions for successive British administrations.
They ensure street fundraising takes place in a respectful way. Times, Sunday Times
Any further delay in raising a purchase order will make it more likely that this critical phase in the project will not be delivered within your desired time-scales.
No longer are you just up against the straight-A kid who lettered in four sports and whose minister wrote a letter praising his virtues.
Critics called the plot insensitive and offensive, raising questions about why this book was published in the first place. Christianity Today
His unusual clothing and strange pageboy hair cut had Ethan's eyes raising.
You may or may not have guessed that the latter was actually praising Switzerland as a model non-EU country. Times, Sunday Times
Cynics may call it lip service, considering the almost daily stream of new fund-raising allegations stemming from his 1996 campaign.
I grabbed some grub and found a seat, settling in for a three-hour seminar on fundraising.
Even in the harbor they were raising sails that caught a favorable wind.
Later, in praising Sotomayor's record as a judge, Specter said: "I'm not commenting about your answers, but your record is exemplary. Specter takes part in Sotomayor hearing from other side of table
In China, a huge surplus and high savings are raising the specter of inflation.
Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), raising questions Oscar Cruz yesterday slammed the Arroyo administration for continuously invoking executive privilege over what he called dubious government contracts, the latest WN.com - Articles related to New Treatments Hold Hope for Failing Eyes
The Government also suggests that a second Baker factor justifies our finding that this case is nonjusticiable: the Court could not fashion “judicially manageable standards” for determining either whether a bill is “for raising Revenue” or where a bill “originates.” The Volokh Conspiracy » Does Marshall Field v. Clark Preclude a Challenge to “Deem and Pass”?
Pope Sixtus IV's fund-raising campaign touted indulgences which would free your deceased loved ones suffering in purgatory.
New England farmers are also engaged in lumbering and raising livestock.
In Selmer, Tenn., a dragster went out of control and smashed into spectators during a fundraising festival in June 2007, killing six people and injuring 22. California Off-Road Race Crash: Truck Plows Into Crowd, Kills 8, Injures 12
The new cabinet will concentrate on raising standards in services already provided and on regenerating the borough's more deprived areas.
The bouillabaisse can be served with fresh bread spread with garlic butter or, if you wish to commit a certain form of heresy which I often do against a true Marseillaise bouillabaisse, you can put into the soup, along with the tomatoes, seasonings, and fumet, several potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths, boiling them for 10 minutes before adding the fish and olive oil and raising the heat. The Summer of My Greek Tavérna
Some things you need to discuss in the first few meetings include: venue, assigning jobs, creating a name for the festival, and organizing fundraising.
Add corn, reserved dill and a splash of reserved braising liquid and heat through.
One of the strangest things that happens to you when you are raising a toddler is how the normally mundane things get you incredibly excited.
The enormity of biological resources makes a case for raising a whole cadre of highly trained professionals for inventorisation, characterisation and documentation.
As Mr. Malouf explained, while cooking at the Dock Kitchen, As the meal progresses, they use herbs in long slow braises, and literally handfuls of herbs are thrown on to the braising dish and cooked for an hour or more. Persia's Private Cuisine Goes Public
Traditionally, the mother was the primary caregiver, but recently the father and other family members have been recognized as equally important in raising infants.
He had acted as personating agent for the party at successive elections and was always to the fore at Church gate collections and fund raising events.
They are also running their annual Radiothon at the moment, which is the key fundraising event for the station, so if you want to donate or even subscribe, now is the time to do it (cos you can win prizes and stuff).
The recent decision by four veteran House Democrats to call it quits is raising questions about whether more will soon follow as the 2010 political climate grows more threatening in the midterm congressional elections, a year when government and business forecasters are predicting high unemployment and a slow economic recovery. POLITICAL HOT TOPICS: December 22, 2009
With a total of 80 questions, the fundraising quiz tests local knowledge covering everything from local history to culture and sport in the area.
But she was one of those satisfactory creatures whose intercourse has the charm of discovery; whose integrity of faculty and expression begets a wish to know what they will say on all subjects or how they will perform whatever they undertake; so that they end by raising not only a continual expectation but a continual sense of fulfillment -- the systole and diastole of blissful companionship. Daniel Deronda
A fundraising bazaar in aid of cancer research will be held in Crookstown Hall on Saturday, October 5, starting at 2 pm.
The monarchy was now dominant, the nobles largely feudalized, the clergy (with royal grants) powerful, the bourgeoisie vigorous (fisheries and cattle raising), the yeoman class strong and independent. E. Scandinavia
raising blazes
More important, perhaps, he has deprived himself of a peace and freedom that he might have expected after the hurly-burly of raising one family. Elizabeth Buchan - An interview with author
The Obama campaign reported that it had "redesignated" the excess money, which could mean that it had contributed it to a separate party committee or a joint fundraising committee, which have higher limits. Newsmax - Inside Cover
They are marvellously done, and they have caused a stir of approval in this country, while also raising doubts.
That's part of his plan to make a living when he retires from appraising real estate.
The exudate, however, is, as it were, shut in by the dense fibrous layer of the membrane, and the result is that in periostitis it collects between the membrane and the bone, causing swelling and raising of the membrane, and giving rise to excruciating pain from pressure upon the nerves. Diseases of the Horse's Foot
Procedure within the financial accounts Many larger companies adopt the procedure of raising a debit note for any errors on invoices.
The pair returned from a 1000 km awareness-raising bike ride between Beijing and Shanghai with decidedly mixed feelings.
Then the clip of Palin praising Reagan – followed by a video of Regan proposing a treaty eliminating 1/3 of current weapons: Note to Palin – same 1/3 you are fuming about! Palin drills down in policy in high-profile speech
My sergeant fired and the suspect stopped raising his pistol and tossed it to the floor in front of him.
The heroines of the female sport came up with the most innovative fundraising idea of the year when they decided to hold a draw to see who would be their main sponsor.
The government devalued the local currency, the birr, by 17 percent against the dollar in September, significantly raising the price of imported goods. Ethiopia’s Inflation Rate Hits Nearly 15 Percent in December
It's certainly a page-turner, despite the sometimes flat tone of the writing; there's a eyebrow raising passage every two pages.
The major benefit would be in raising awareness of this potentially devastating condition.
A team of lawyers and staff from Hammonds have devoted time and energy to fund-raising.
We sent a fund raising email, a call Mainers email, and a drive to Maine email all for No on 1. The Fine Art of Timing a Money Bomb
Supermarket chain Tesco has joined forces with Pendleside Hospice in a bid to smash this year's fundraising targets.
If any of these hair-raising prospects had come to pass, there would be a cause for genuine alarm. The Sun
Negotiations in the past two months have centred on altering the balance of the offer, as well as raising the price. Times, Sunday Times
But in praising the aspiration to work the extra hour, he took a sledgehammer to those earning the extra pound that takes them into the 40% tax bracket. The Conservatives and Welfare
I see that violent crime is out of control in our cities, snuffing out lives, mangling the limbs of the innocent, raising anxiety levels sky-high.
Fishing, hiking, and horseback riding are also popular, as are raising pets and taking a variety of evening classes.
Mix in 250g wholemeal self-raising flour with a teaspoon of baking powder. The Sun
Alexander's new job is to tub-thump for more business start-ups, better training, better skilling, raising our business horizons.
Hog cholera is seriously threatening the development of pig—raising, for it is highly epidemic and fatal.
Laws prohibit political fund-raising on government property, which is the focus of some of the questions surrounding White House fund-raising practices.
It was great afternoon with a variety of jazz acts, raffles and promotions raising money for staging the convention.
She gives freely and generously of her time when it comes to fundraising whether it is bag packing, collecting flags or climbing Knocknarea.
This fetishistic oath, seemingly sworn and signed in blood, has kept the Republicans from saying "yes" to President Obama's offer for raising the nation's debt ceiling -- a deal that would whack some $4 trillion dollars from the national deficit. Fernando Espuelas: Why Republicans Can't Say Yes to Obama
Far from the hell-raising hipsters we were expecting, there's actually something quite adorable about this pair of "friendly guys who make electronic music". Justice are rocking the world
Raising the early retirement age would signal that 62 is too young for most people to quit in an era of marathon-running septuagenarians.
the British term for arson is fire-raising
The lift-off took place with a Disco at Tramore Racecourse and ninety teenagers supported the fund raising venture and thoroughly enjoyed themselves without the merest hint of a hiccup.
She wanted to look into his eyes but that would mean raising her head and if she did that, because he was so near and she was wearing heels, her lips would be mere centimetres from his.
Thus, by raising your liability limits, you will truly lower your auto insurance rate.
While the insolvency practitioners continue to cast their eye over City's financial accounts, the Trust are now putting fundraising plans in place.
Death s inevitable.It's a promise made to each of us at birth.But before that promise is kept,we all hope something will happen to us,whether it is the thrill of romance,the joy of raising a family,or the anguish of great loss.We all hope to experience something that make our lives meaningful,but the sad fact is,not all lives have meaning.Some people spend their time on this planet just sitting on the sidelines,waiting for something to happen to them,before it's too late.
Around the 1900s, tea shops began to spring up, one of the few places where a lady could go unchaperoned without raising eyebrows.
The group is made up of youth members who aim to make an impact on the community by organising social and fundraising events.
I think I may give the Victorian tear-jerkers a miss from now on, though, and turn to some good, sigh-raising Torch Songs.
An equally well worked move resulted in Duffy raising the green flag at the other end.
Last I heard they were raising chinchillas in the Dominican Republic.
She worked to improve the finances of the magazine with new fundraising projects, found ways to reduce expenses, and garnered grants to assist in building the magazine's subscriber base.
I must warn you against raising your hopes.

How To Use Raising In A Sentence

Report a problem

Please indicate a type of error

Additional information (optional):