Arrive vs Reach
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Arrive | Reach | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To reach a place that you were going to. | to stretch out your hand to grab something or to arrive at a place |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Use 'arrive at' for specific locations (e.g., 'arrive at the airport') and 'arrive in' for larger areas (e.g., 'arrive in Paris'). Avoid using in very formal contexts; consider synonyms like 'reach' instead. | Use 'reach' when talking about getting to a destination or getting something physically. Avoid in overly formal writing; use alternatives like 'arrive' or 'achieve'. |
Frequently asked questions: Arrive vs Reach
What's the difference between "Arrive" and "Reach"?
"Arrive" means: To reach a place that you were going to. "Reach" means: to stretch out your hand to grab something or to arrive at a place
When should I use "Arrive" and "Reach"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Arrive" and "Reach" the same CEFR level?
"Arrive" is at A1, "Reach" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.