A2verb1K

Reach

UK /["/riːtʃ/","/ˈriːtʃɪz/","/riːtʃt/","/ˈriːtʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/riːtʃ/","/ˈriːtʃɪz/","/riːtʃt/","/ˈriːtʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to arrive at the place that you have been travelling to

In simple words: to stretch out your hand to grab something or to arrive at a place

Examples

  • I can reach the top shelf if I stand on my tiptoes.
  • The project's goal is to reach a wider audience.
  • Please reach for the remote control on the table.
  • After a long climb, we finally reached the summit.
  • It’s important to reach out to your friends when you need help.

Usage notes

Use 'reach' when talking about getting to a destination or getting something physically. Avoid in overly formal writing; use alternatives like 'arrive' or 'achieve'.

Grammar pattern

reach + object

Memory hint

Imagine stretching your arm to reach for something high on a shelf.

Collocations

  • 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

Synonyms

  • extend
  • arrive
  • achieve
  • attain
  • contact

Antonyms

  • withdraw
  • recede

Common mistakes

  • 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'.