arrive
A1Formal and informal, across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To reach a destination, especially at the end of a journey.
To achieve success, a position, or a stage of development; to come to a particular state or condition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is telic (inherently implies an endpoint) and is commonly punctual (viewing the event as a single point in time). Often used with preposition 'at' for places or events, 'in' for cities/countries, and 'on' for days/dates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in usage with 'to' (e.g., 'arrive to' is rare in British English and generally considered non-standard; it is somewhat more frequent, though still contested, in informal American English).
Connotations
Slight connotation of formality in 'arrive' vs. more informal 'get (to)' in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + V (intransitive)S + V + PP (arrive at/in/on)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Arrive in the nick of time”
- “Have arrived (to become successful and accepted)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for reaching decisions, targets, or for the physical arrival of goods/people.
Academic
Used in processes (e.g., 'the researchers arrived at a new hypothesis') or in historical narratives.
Everyday
Predominantly used for physical movement to destinations.
Technical
In computing/logistics: a packet/data/vehicle arrives.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The train arrives at platform 4 at half past.
- After much debate, the committee finally arrived at a consensus.
American English
- The package should arrive by Friday.
- After years of struggling, she felt she had finally arrived.
adjective
British English
- The newly arrived immigrants were given assistance.
American English
- The recently arrived students attended orientation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My father arrives home from work at six o'clock.
- What time does your plane arrive?
- We arrived in Madrid late at night.
- They arrived at the decision after a long meeting.
- The letter arrived out of the blue, completely unexpected.
- The technology finally arrived at a point where it was commercially viable.
- The notion that he had 'arrived' in Hollywood was both exhilarating and daunting.
- The data packet failed to arrive at its destination, triggering a system alert.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A car RIVEs (drives) up to ARRIVE.'
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (e.g., 'arriving at a conclusion' conceptualizes thinking as moving towards a destination).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'in' for small locations (use 'at').
- Do not use 'arrive to a place' (use 'arrive at/in').
- The Russian verb 'приходить' can imply 'on foot'; 'arrive' is neutral regarding mode of transport.
Common Mistakes
- He arrived to the station. (Correct: at the station)
- We arrived London. (Correct: in/at London)
- I will arrive to home. (Correct: arrive home / at home)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition is generally INCORRECT with 'arrive' for a specific location?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the standard prepositions are 'arrive at' (for a specific point like a station or building) and 'arrive in' (for a city or country). 'Arrive to' is generally considered non-standard, though occasionally heard in informal speech.
'Arrive' is intransitive and needs a preposition (arrive at/in). 'Reach' is transitive and takes a direct object (reach London, reach a conclusion). Both can be used figuratively.
Yes, for emphasis on the process of the journey concluding (e.g., 'We are arriving at the station now, please prepare to disembark').
With 'home', 'here', and 'there', no preposition is used: 'arrive home', 'arrive here', 'arrive there'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Routine
A1 · 50 words · Words for describing your everyday activities and schedule.
Travel Vocabulary
A2 · 50 words · Words for getting around, booking trips and visiting new places.