a reach for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reach for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt to obtain or achieve something that may be difficult or ambitious. Example: "His proposal was seen as a reach for greater funding, despite the lack of a solid plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a reach for something higher.

The Guardian

Maybe that's a reach for one Heat-Knick scrum.

The New York Times - Sports

Saarland, admittedly, may be a reach for the Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

LAURA: It was a reach for both our families initially.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a reach for the project to encompass a wavelet transformation, and it remains unimplemented.

Cornell University

Santoro understands the Oaks may be a bit of a reach for Rose to Gold.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Commerce has had 14 bank robberies in Manhattan since January, a reach-for-the-sky number that exceeds by one the number of its Manhattan branch offices.

The New York Times

But you sense in Ms. Shemy's punishing dances a reaching for something as yet uncooperative.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead of reaching for a cigarette, reach for a stick of real licorice root.

WikiHow

And borrower behaviour attests to a broader reach for yield.

The Economist

A few instinctively reach for a handkerchief.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "reach." It can imply stretching beyond current capabilities, so ensure it fits the context of the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "a reach for" when a simpler term like "attempt" or "effort" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Ensure the context genuinely warrants highlighting the ambition or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reach for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies an attempt to attain something, often with the implication of ambition or difficulty, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reach for" is a noun phrase denoting an attempt to achieve something ambitious or potentially difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure its nuanced meaning aligns with the intended context, avoiding overuse in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate. Be mindful of its connotation of striving beyond current capabilities to ensure its relevance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attempt to get

Focuses on the action of trying to obtain something, placing emphasis on the effort.

an effort to achieve

Highlights the dedication and work involved in attaining a specific goal.

a striving for

Emphasizes continuous and persistent effort toward a target.

a pursuit of

Indicates a determined and sustained effort to gain something.

an aspiration for

Highlights the ambition and desire behind the attempt.

a quest for

Implies a longer, more challenging journey to obtain something.

a drive for

Focuses on the internal motivation and energy pushing someone toward a goal.

an ambition to

Underlines the desire and intent to accomplish something significant.

a longing for

Emphasizes a deep desire or yearning for something, often something difficult to obtain.

a push for

Implies active and forceful efforts to achieve a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a reach for" in a sentence?

Use "a reach for" to describe an attempt to achieve something that is ambitious or may be difficult to obtain. For example, "His proposal was seen as "a reach for" greater funding."

What can I say instead of "a reach for"?

You can use alternatives like "an attempt to get", "an effort to achieve", or "a striving for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "reaching for" instead of "a reach for"?

"Reaching for" (the gerund form) typically describes the action of reaching, whereas ""a reach for"" is often used as a noun phrase to describe the attempt itself. The best option depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "a reach for" and "a search for"?

"A reach for" implies an attempt to obtain something ambitious or difficult, while "a search for" refers to looking for something, which may not necessarily be challenging or ambitious.