reach
B1Common across all registers, formal and informal.
Definition
Meaning
To stretch out a limb or object to touch, grasp, or arrive at something; to achieve a goal, level, or understanding.
To extend in space, influence, or communication; to make contact with; to be attained or available.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb can describe both physical motion ('reach for a book') and abstract achievement ('reach an agreement'). The noun form typically refers to a section of a river or the extent of one's influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Noun 'reach' referring to a stretch of river is slightly more common in UK usage (e.g., 'the upper reaches of the Thames').
Connotations
Similar in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + reach + Object (He reached the summit.)Subject + reach + for + Object (She reached for the phone.)Subject + reach + Adverb (The news reached us late.)Subject + reach + out + to + Object (We reached out to the community.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “reach for the stars”
- “out of reach”
- “within arm's reach”
- “reach a boiling point”
- “reach the end of one's rope/tether”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To achieve targets, contact clients, or extend market influence (e.g., 'We aim to reach new customers').
Academic
To arrive at conclusions, understand complex concepts, or cite sources (e.g., 'The study failed to reach statistical significance').
Everyday
To physically grab something, arrive at a place, or contact someone (e.g., 'Can you reach the salt?').
Technical
In computing/network contexts, the ability of a node to communicate with another (e.g., 'server reachability').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He couldn't quite reach the biscuit tin on the top shelf.
- After weeks of negotiation, they finally reached a settlement.
- The floodwaters are expected to reach the village by tonight.
American English
- She reached out to her senator to voice her concerns.
- Our sales finally reached the target this quarter.
- Can you reach the phone? It's ringing.
adverb
British English
- None standard. 'Reach' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- None standard. 'Reach' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The reach objectives for the campaign were clearly defined. (less common, often 'reachable')
American English
- The reach goals of the project seemed overly ambitious. (less common, often 'reachable')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child reached for his mother's hand.
- What time will you reach the station?
- I can't reach the apples on the tree.
- After a long discussion, we reached a decision.
- The temperature reached 30 degrees yesterday.
- She reached into her bag to find her keys.
- The company strives to reach a wider audience through social media.
- The negotiations have reached a critical stage.
- His influence reaches far beyond his immediate department.
- The philosophical implications of the theory are hard to reach for the layperson.
- The new policy is designed to reach the most disadvantaged sectors of society.
- They managed to reach a fragile consensus after hours of debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TEACHer who helps you REACH your goals.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVING A GOAL IS ARRIVING AT A DESTINATION (e.g., 'reach a conclusion'); COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL CONTACT (e.g., 'reach out to someone').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'достигать' (to achieve) when the meaning is physical contact—use 'дотянуться' or 'дотронуться'. 'Reach an agreement' is 'достичь соглашения', not 'трогать соглашение'.
- Avoid using 'касаться' (to touch a subject) for 'reach out to someone' (which is 'обратиться к кому-либо').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I reached to get the book.' Correct: 'I reached for the book.' or 'I reached out to get the book.'
- Incorrect: 'The temperature reached to 40 degrees.' Correct: 'The temperature reached 40 degrees.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reach' CORRECTLY in a business context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'reach' is frequently used for abstract achievements like 'reach a conclusion', 'reach an agreement', or 'reach a target'.
'Reach' often implies arriving at a point (a destination, a number, a state), while 'achieve' implies successful effort towards a more significant goal (an ambition, an award). You 'reach' a speed, but 'achieve' success.
It is neutral to slightly formal. In very formal contexts, 'contact', 'get in touch with', or 'approach' might be preferred. In informal speech, 'get ahold of' or 'call/text' is common.
Yes. As a noun, it often means the extent of something's power, influence, or physical range (e.g., 'The boxer has a long reach', 'The new law is within the government's reach', 'the upper reaches of the river').