Boost instead of gain

[Koronita]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "Retirement Plans", question 9

Analysts said the acquisition would ......... earnings.

(a) boost
(b) gain
(c) range
(d) rise

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "Retirement Plans", answer 9

Analysts said the acquisition would boost earnings.

Correct answer: (a) boost

Your answer was: incorrect
Analysts said the acquisition would gain earnings.
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Could you explain why the answer is boost instead of gain?
Thanks

[Alan]

Hi,

Gain has the idea of winning or earning. Boost has the idea of increasing or giving extra support to.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Nadeee]

Why doesn't "rise" work for this case? I mean there is also the expression of "earning rise" or am I wrong?

[Alan]

Hi,

'Rise' is intransitive and therefore doesn't take an object and so can't be used here. Earnings can rise or You can raise earnings.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
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