21.   People who have jobs are thinking harder about major purchases, too, because they know there are no guarantees of big raises down the road.

22.   She should have anything she wants, plus a big fat raise.

23.   Some companies, like Oracle, gave their bosses big raises based on stock gains that have disappeared since the end of their fiscal year.

24.   The big raises have surely played some role in the decrease, but both partners and associates say the biggest factor has been the technology slump.

25.   The European Central Bank has warned for months that big raises could accelerate inflation, and it recently served notice that it already sees hints of price trouble.

26.   The payroll-conscious Expos usually try to trade players who figure to get a big raise the following season, in return for good prospects.

27.   The strike came at a time when the Mexican car business is not in the mood for big raises.

28.   They responded by giving him a big raise.

29.   UBS officials denied that they were offering big raises, but declined to discuss details.

30.   WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - If he calls his mother first when he gets a big raise.