Cool MateMake it vs Reach
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Make it
Top 1,000 (very common)
Reach
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Make it | Reach | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/riːtʃ/","/ˈriːtʃɪz/","/riːtʃt/","/ˈriːtʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/riːtʃ/","/ˈriːtʃɪz/","/riːtʃt/","/ˈriːtʃɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to succeed or achieve something | to stretch out your hand to grab something or to arrive at a place |
| Example | I hope to make it to the top of the class this semester. | I can reach the top shelf if I stand on my tiptoes. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | make it big, make it happen, make it to the top | eventually, finally, easily, attempt to, try to, be expected to, eventually, finally, easily, attempt to, try to, be expected to, eventually, finally, easily, attempt to, try to, be expected to, eventually, finally, easily, attempt to, try to, be expected to, gingerly, hesitantly, tentatively, for, inside, into, easily, almost, nearly, can, easily, almost, nearly, can |
| Antonyms | fail, lose, fall short | withdraw, recede |
| Common mistakes | Using it without context, e.g., 'make it' without saying what is made., Confusing with 'make sure' which has a different meaning., Incorrectly conjugating the phrase for different subjects. | Confused with 'preach' — mixing up meanings during speech., Using 'reach' without an object when it's needed, like saying 'I will reach' instead of 'I will reach the goal'. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe achieving a goal or reaching a destination. Common in both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly formal contexts. | Use 'reach' when talking about getting to a destination or getting something physically. Avoid in overly formal writing; use alternatives like 'arrive' or 'achieve'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Make it vs Reach
What's the difference between Make it and Reach?
Make it: to succeed or achieve something Reach: to stretch out your hand to grab something or to arrive at a place
Can you show an example of each?
Make it: I hope to make it to the top of the class this semester. Reach: I can reach the top shelf if I stand on my tiptoes.
Can I use Make it and Reach interchangeably?
Not always. Make it and Reach are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.