Which sentence is more preferable? "increase” ”raise” ”hike” in this context Hi, thank you for stopping by. Let me ask you some questions. Which one is more preferable? "increase” ”raise” ”hike” in these context. Or, how would you express this more naturally in Everyday English,please? 1. Next month, Japan will increase the sales tax 2%, and further raise from 8% to 10% in 2015. 2. Here in Japan, The consumption tax will increase from 5% to 8% next month and further to 10% in 2015. 3. From April 1st,Japan will start hike in the consumption tax from 5% to 8% and further to 10% in 2015. 4. Next month, the consumption tax in Japan will rise from 5% to 8% and further to 10% in 2015. Your help will be very much appreciated. Thank you for reading❤