When you reach for something, you stretch out your hand to touch or take it.
For example, you might reach for an apple on a high shelf.
Reach can also mean to arrive at a place.
For instance, you reach home after school.
It can also mean to achieve a goal, like when you reach a high score in a game.
§ Understanding "Reach" as a Verb
The verb "reach" is quite versatile in English, carrying two primary meanings. It can refer to extending your arm to touch or grasp something, or it can describe the act of arriving at a destination, a particular level, or achieving a goal.
- Meaning 1: To stretch out an arm
- To extend your arm or hand to touch, take, or get something.
Can you reach the book on the top shelf for me?
He tried to reach for her hand, but she pulled it away.
- Meaning 2: To arrive at a place, level, or goal
- To arrive at a particular place, level, or stage after traveling, developing, or working hard.
We will reach our destination by noon.
Her career has reached new heights.
§ Common Grammatical Structures
When using "reach," it's important to understand the common grammatical patterns it follows.
- Reach + object: This is the most common structure for both meanings.
- Reach + prepositional phrase: This is often used with the meaning of arriving, indicating the specific location or state.
I can't reach the top shelf.
The news reached them quickly.
We hope to reach *for* a better understanding.
The temperature will reach *to* thirty degrees tomorrow.
§ Prepositions with "Reach"
While "reach" often takes a direct object, it can also be used with prepositions, especially when discussing movement towards something or achieving a certain state.
- Reach + (no preposition) + place/level/goal: This is common when you are simply stating that you arrived.
- Reach for + object: Used when you extend your hand to grab something.
- Reach into + something: Used when you put your hand inside something.
- Reach out to + person/group: This idiomatic expression means to contact someone, often to offer help or communicate.
They finally reached the summit of the mountain.
She had to reach *for* her phone at the bottom of her bag.
He reached *into* his pocket for some change.
We should reach *out to* the new students and welcome them.
§ Mistakes people make with this word
The verb 'reach' is a fundamental word in English, but its versatility can sometimes lead to confusion for learners, especially at the A1 CEFR level. While its core meanings are straightforward – extending an arm or arriving at a destination – there are several nuances and common pitfalls to be aware of.
§ 1. Overlooking the two main meanings
One of the most common mistakes is not fully grasping that 'reach' has two distinct primary meanings, which can drastically change the context of a sentence.
- DEFINITION
- To stretch out your arm in order to touch or grab something.
Can you reach the book on the top shelf?
- DEFINITION
- To arrive at a specific place, level, or goal after traveling or working hard.
We will reach the station in ten minutes.
§ 2. Confusing 'reach' with 'arrive at' or 'get to'
While 'reach' can often be synonymous with 'arrive at' or 'get to' when referring to a destination, there are subtle differences. 'Reach' often implies overcoming a distance or effort to get somewhere.
- Incorrect: I arrived at home. (While grammatically correct, 'reached home' is also common and implies the journey.)
- Correct: I reached home after a long day.
- Incorrect: I got to the top of the mountain. (Again, grammatically fine, but 'reached the top' emphasizes the achievement.)
- Correct: We finally reached the top of the mountain.
§ 3. Incorrect prepositions
A common mistake is using an unnecessary preposition after 'reach' when it refers to a destination. Unlike verbs like 'arrive,' 'reach' is typically used directly with the object of the destination.
- Incorrect: I will reach at the airport.
- Correct: I will reach the airport.
- Incorrect: She reached to her goal.
- Correct: She reached her goal.
However, when 'reach' means to stretch out your arm, prepositions like 'for' are often used to indicate what is being reached for.
He reached for his phone.
§ 4. Using 'reach' for communication
While not strictly incorrect in some advanced contexts, A1 learners sometimes try to use 'reach' to mean 'contact' or 'get in touch with', which can sound unnatural. At this level, it's better to use more direct verbs.
- Less natural for A1: I will try to reach him by phone.
- More natural for A1: I will try to call him.
- Less natural for A1: Can you reach her by email?
- More natural for A1: Can you email her?
§ 5. Confusing 'reach' with 'stretch'
While 'reach' can involve stretching, the two verbs are not always interchangeable. 'Stretch' refers to the act of extending one's body or a part of it, while 'reach' implies the action of getting to or touching something by extending.
I always stretch in the morning.
(Here, 'stretch' is about the physical exercise of extending muscles, not necessarily touching something.)
Can you reach the light switch?
(Here, 'reach' is about touching the light switch, which might involve stretching your arm.)
By understanding these common mistakes and practicing with correct usage, A1 learners can confidently use 'reach' in their everyday English conversations and writing. Paying attention to context and the directness of the verb will significantly improve accuracy.
§ Understanding 'Reach': A Deep Dive
The word 'reach' is a versatile verb in English, carrying several distinct meanings that are crucial for clear communication. As a CEFR A1 word, it's one of the first verbs learners encounter, but its nuances make it interesting to explore further. Let's break down its primary uses and then compare it with some similar words to ensure you're using it effectively.
- Primary Definition
- To stretch out your arm in order to touch or grab something.
Can you reach the book on the top shelf?
She had to reach across the table for the salt.
- Secondary Definition
- To arrive at a specific place, level, or goal after traveling or working hard.
We hope to reach our destination by noon.
After years of practice, she finally reached her goal of becoming a doctor.
§ Similar Words and Their Usage
While 'reach' is broad, other words can express similar ideas with more specific connotations. Let's explore some of them:
Extend: This word is very close to the first meaning of 'reach,' implying stretching something out. However, 'extend' often suggests making something longer or broader, or offering something. 'Reach' specifically focuses on the act of stretching towards something to grasp it.
- Example: Extend
- The bridge was extended by another mile. (Making it longer)
- Example: Reach
- He reached for her hand. (Stretching to touch/grasp)
Arrive: This word is a direct synonym for the second meaning of 'reach' when referring to a destination. However, 'arrive' is almost exclusively used for physical locations, whereas 'reach' can also apply to abstract concepts like goals or levels.
- Example: Arrive
- The train will arrive at the station shortly.
- Example: Reach
- The company hopes to reach its sales target by year-end.
Attain: This verb is very similar to 'reach' when discussing goals or achievements. 'Attain' often implies a more significant effort or a higher degree of success than 'reach' might in some contexts. It emphasizes the successful completion of a long-term effort.
- Example: Attain
- It's difficult to attain perfection in anything.
- Example: Reach
- He worked hard to reach the next level in his career.
Get to: This is a more informal alternative to 'reach' or 'arrive' when talking about physical destinations. While widely used in everyday conversation, 'reach' can sound more formal or precise, especially in written contexts.
- Example: Get to
- How do I get to the nearest bus stop?
- Example: Reach
- We need to reach a consensus on this matter. (Figurative usage)
In summary, 'reach' is a foundational word with significant utility in English. Mastering its various applications, and understanding when to opt for similar yet distinct verbs, will greatly enhance your communicative precision and fluency.
Wichtige Grammatik
Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb 'reach' must agree with its subject in number and person. For example, 'I reach' (first person singular), 'He reaches' (third person singular), 'They reach' (third person plural).
She reaches for the cookie. They reach the summit.
Transitive Verb Usage: 'Reach' can be used as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. This is common when it means 'to touch or grab something'.
He reached the book from the shelf. I reached my hand out.
Intransitive Verb Usage: 'Reach' can also be used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. This is common when it means 'to arrive at a specific place, level, or goal'.
We reached the destination. The water reached my knees.
Prepositional Phrases with 'Reach': When 'reach' refers to arriving at a place or goal, it often uses prepositional phrases like 'to', 'for', or 'at' to specify the destination or objective.
They reached for their goals. We reached to the top of the mountain. He reached at the decision.
Tenses of 'Reach': 'Reach' can be used in various tenses to indicate when the action occurs. For A1 level, focus on present simple, past simple, and present continuous.
Present Simple: I reach for the phone. Past Simple: She reached the station. Present Continuous: He is reaching for the remote.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Can you reach the book on the high shelf?
Czy możesz dosięgnąć książki na wysokiej półce?
Here 'reach' means to stretch your arm to touch something.
I want to reach my friend's house by noon.
Chcę dotrzeć do domu mojego przyjaciela do południa.
Here 'reach' means to arrive at a place.
The baby can't reach the toy yet.
Dziecko jeszcze nie może dosięgnąć zabawki.
Here 'reach' means to stretch your arm to grab something.
We will reach the top of the hill soon.
Wkrótce dotrzemy na szczyt wzgórza.
Here 'reach' means to arrive at a specific place.
He can reach the light switch easily.
On może łatwo dosięgnąć włącznika światła.
Here 'reach' means to stretch your arm to touch something.
They hope to reach their goal by the end of the year.
Mają nadzieję osiągnąć swój cel do końca roku.
Here 'reach' means to achieve a goal.
I can't reach the remote control from here.
Nie mogę dosięgnąć pilota stąd.
Here 'reach' means to stretch your arm to grab something.
When will we reach our destination?
Kiedy dotrzemy do naszego celu?
Here 'reach' means to arrive at a specific place.
So verwendest du es
When 'reach' means to stretch out your arm, it's often followed by a preposition like 'for' (e.g., 'She reached for the book'). When it means to arrive, it can be followed by a place or a goal (e.g., 'We reached the summit,' 'He reached his goal').
A common mistake is using 'arrive to' instead of 'arrive at' or simply 'reach' a destination. For example, instead of 'We arrived to the city' or 'We reached to the city,' it should be 'We arrived at the city' or 'We reached the city.' Another mistake is confusing 'reach' with 'get to.' While similar, 'get to' often implies more effort or difficulty in arriving. For example, you might say 'It was hard to get to the top of the mountain' rather than 'It was hard to reach the top of the mountain' if you want to emphasize the difficulty.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a 'reach'er, a person who always 'reaches' for the stars and 'reaches' their goals.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture someone stretching their arm out to 'reach' for an apple on a high branch. In another scene, visualize a runner crossing the finish line, having 'reached' their goal.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Describe a time you had to 'reach' for something, either physically or metaphorically.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenSure! Imagine you're at the dinner table and you want the salt. You might say, 'Could you please reach me the salt?' Or, if a child is trying to get a toy on a high shelf, they might reach up for it.
Certainly! You could say, 'We plan to reach our destination by sunset.' Or, 'After a long hike, they finally reached the top of the mountain.'
Yes, absolutely! For instance, someone might say, 'She worked very hard to reach her goal of becoming a doctor.' Or, 'They hope to reach an agreement by the end of the meeting.'
That's a great question! While 'reach out' is often used for contacting someone, you can also use 'reach' by itself in that context. For example, 'I tried to reach him by phone, but he didn't answer.'
That's a subtle but important distinction. While they can sometimes be similar, 'reach' often implies a more deliberate or effortful arrival, especially when it comes to goals or distant places. 'Get to' can be more general. For example, 'I got to the store,' versus 'I finally reached my goal.'
Yes, it does! The past tense of 'reach' is reached. So you would say, 'I reached for the cookie,' or 'We reached the city yesterday.'
That's a good point! While the primary focus here is on the verb form, 'reach' can indeed be used as a noun, meaning the extent to which someone or something can stretch or exert influence. For example, 'The politician has a wide reach.'
Yes, it is! 'Reach' is a very common and versatile verb, making it an important word for A1 learners to understand and use in various contexts.
A common mistake might be confusing 'reach' with 'arrive,' as they are similar. Remember, 'reach' often emphasizes the action of extending or the effort of getting somewhere, whereas 'arrive' simply means to get to a place.
Certainly! 'After a long day, I finally reached home and then reached for a cold drink to relax.'
Teste dich selbst 60 Fragen
Complete the sentence: 'I can ______ the apple on the high shelf.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I can reach the apple on the high shelf.
Write a short sentence using the word 'reach' to mean 'to arrive at'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
We will reach the city soon.
Fill in the blank: 'Please ______ for my hand.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Please reach for my hand.
What does the cat try to reach for?
Read this passage:
My cat likes to play. Sometimes, he tries to reach for the toys on the table. He cannot always reach them because they are too high. But he keeps trying!
What does the cat try to reach for?
The passage says, 'he tries to reach for the toys on the table.'
The passage says, 'he tries to reach for the toys on the table.'
What do they hope to reach?
Read this passage:
It is a long walk to the park. We hope to reach the park before it gets dark. We need to walk fast!
What do they hope to reach?
The passage states, 'We hope to reach the park before it gets dark.'
The passage states, 'We hope to reach the park before it gets dark.'
Who can reach the top shelf easily?
Read this passage:
My brother is very tall. He can reach the top shelf easily. I am shorter, so I need a chair to reach it.
Who can reach the top shelf easily?
The passage says, 'My brother is very tall. He can reach the top shelf easily.'
The passage says, 'My brother is very tall. He can reach the top shelf easily.'
Please ___ for the book on the top shelf.
To 'reach' for something means to stretch out your arm to get it.
We need to ___ a decision by tomorrow morning.
To 'reach a decision' means to arrive at a decision.
The train will ___ the station in five minutes.
To 'reach a place' means to arrive there.
After a long climb, they finally ___ the summit of the mountain.
To 'reach a goal' like a summit means to arrive at it after effort.
Can you ___ me the salt, please?
In this context, 'reach' implies extending your arm to hand someone something.
It's important to ___ your dreams.
To 'reach your dreams' means to achieve them.
Write a short paragraph about a time you had to reach for something, either literally or figuratively (like reaching a goal).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Yesterday, I had to reach for a book on the top shelf. I stretched my arm as far as I could. It was hard, but I finally got it! I also want to reach my goal of learning English well.
Imagine you are planning a trip. Write three sentences using the word 'reach' to talk about arriving at a place.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
First, we will take the bus to reach the city. Then, we hope to reach the museum before it closes. Finally, we will reach our hotel in the evening.
Describe a simple task where you need to 'reach' for an object. What is the object and why do you need to reach for it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to reach for the sugar in the cupboard to make my tea. It's on a high shelf, so I have to stand on my toes.
Why couldn't the little brother get his toy car?
Read this passage:
My little brother loves to play with his toys. Sometimes, he puts them in places where he cannot reach them. Yesterday, he put his favorite car on a high shelf. He tried to jump, but he still couldn't reach it. I helped him get it down.
Why couldn't the little brother get his toy car?
The passage says, 'he put his favorite car on a high shelf. He tried to jump, but he still couldn't reach it.'
The passage says, 'he put his favorite car on a high shelf. He tried to jump, but he still couldn't reach it.'
What does Anna want to reach?
Read this passage:
Anna wants to become a good painter. She practices every day. She knows it will take a long time and a lot of effort to reach her dream. Her friends support her and tell her to keep working hard.
What does Anna want to reach?
The passage states, 'She knows it will take a long time and a lot of effort to reach her dream.'
The passage states, 'She knows it will take a long time and a lot of effort to reach her dream.'
What will happen if they don't reach the bus stop on time?
Read this passage:
The bus will leave at 9 AM. We need to reach the bus stop on time to catch it. If we are late, we will miss our trip to the beach. My mom always says it's important to reach places early.
What will happen if they don't reach the bus stop on time?
The passage says, 'If we are late, we will miss our trip to the beach.'
The passage says, 'If we are late, we will miss our trip to the beach.'
This sentence asks if someone can extend their arm to get a book.
This sentence uses 'reach' to mean achieving a goal.
This sentence uses 'reach' to mean arriving at a place.
Choose the correct sentence using 'reach' to mean 'to stretch out your arm'.
In this sentence, 'reach' is used in the context of extending one's arm to get something.
Which sentence uses 'reach' to mean 'to arrive at a specific place'?
Here, 'reach' refers to the act of arriving at a particular location after traveling.
In which sentence does 'reach' refer to achieving a goal or level?
This sentence uses 'reach' to signify the accomplishment of a goal after effort.
If you 'reach a decision', it means you stretch your arm out towards a document.
To 'reach a decision' means to arrive at a conclusion or agreement, not physically stretch your arm.
When a child tries to 'reach for a cookie', they are attempting to grab it with their hand.
To 'reach for' something implies extending one's arm to grasp it.
If a company 'reaches its peak', it means its performance has declined.
To 'reach its peak' means to achieve the highest point or level of something, indicating success, not decline.
Think about the meaning of 'reach' in the context of climbing.
Consider the physical action implied by 'reach'.
Focus on 'reach' as achieving an objective.
Read this aloud:
Describe a time you had to reach for something high up.
Focus: reach
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Read this aloud:
Talk about a goal you are trying to reach and what steps you are taking.
Focus: reach
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are trying to reach someone by phone. What would you say?
Focus: reach
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This sentence uses 'reach' in the sense of extending one's arm to grasp something. The correct order forms a polite request.
Here, 'reach' means to achieve a specific goal. The sentence is about aspirations and timelines.
In this context, 'reach' signifies arriving at a specific place after effort. The sentence describes an accomplishment in mountaineering.
This sentence emphasizes the importance of extending one's capabilities and influence.
This sentence uses 'reach' to denote achieving challenging goals.
This sentence illustrates 'reach' in the context of arriving at an agreement.
The company's audacious goal was to ___ market dominance within the next fiscal year, a target many deemed unattainable.
In this context, 'reach' is the most idiomatic verb to express the accomplishment of a high-level goal or position, emphasizing the journey to get there.
Despite a concerted diplomatic effort, the two nations failed to ___ a consensus on the contentious trade agreement, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
'Reach a consensus' is a common collocation, signifying the successful conclusion of discussions with a shared agreement.
It's imperative that we ___ out to the disenfranchised communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in our policy-making.
'Reach out' is an idiomatic expression meaning to make an effort to communicate or help someone, particularly those who are isolated or in need.
The climber's tenacity was evident as he strained to ___ the precarious handhold, his muscles burning with exertion.
Here, 'reach' describes the act of extending one's arm to get to something, emphasizing the effort involved in extending to a difficult or distant point.
The author's latest novel attempts to ___ a deeper understanding of the human psyche, exploring complex themes of identity and existentialism.
'Reach a deeper understanding' implies the process of intellectual exploration to arrive at a more profound level of comprehension.
The unprecedented economic downturn caused many businesses to ___ a breaking point, leading to widespread closures and redundancies.
'Reach a breaking point' is a common idiom meaning to arrive at a stage where one can no longer cope or continue, often due to extreme pressure.
Consider the figurative meaning of 'reach' in a professional context.
Focus on the context of negotiation and agreement.
Think about 'reach' in the abstract sense of comprehending or grasping an idea.
Read this aloud:
Articulate the challenges one might face when attempting to reach a profound understanding of a complex philosophical text.
Focus: reach, profound, philosophical, text
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical implications of using advanced technology to reach a state of simulated reality, exploring both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Focus: ethical, implications, advanced, technology, simulated, reality, benefits, drawbacks
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Read this aloud:
Elaborate on the strategies individuals and organizations can employ to reach their full potential in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Focus: elaborate, strategies, individuals, organizations, potential, rapidly, evolving, global, landscape
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/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Beispiel
Can you reach that blue book on the top shelf for me?
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absorb
B2Etwas absorbieren bedeutet, es aufzunehmen, wie Wasser einen Schwamm, oder Informationen zu verstehen.
abstain
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abvictly
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abvitfy
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accelerate
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accept
A1Ein Angebot oder eine Einladung annehmen. Es bedeutet auch, eine Situation oder eine Tatsache als wahr zu akzeptieren.
achieve
A2Ein Ziel erfolgreich erreichen, nachdem man hart dafür gearbeitet hat. Es geht darum, durch Einsatz etwas Positives zu vollenden.
acquiesce
C1Etwas widerwillig akzeptieren, ohne sich zu beschweren. Man stimmt zu, weil man keine andere Wahl hat.
