able to reach

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to reach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical, emotional, or mental ability that you have. For example, "I am confident in my ability to reach my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must be able to reach consensus.

The Guardian

Many doctors aren't able to reach hospitals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are you able to reach them?

The New Yorker

No one should be able to reach into my house.

The New York Times

"Some will be able to reach other marshes, some won't".

The New York Times

I was not able to reach any of them.

The Guardian

Wasn't able to reach my full potential at all".

The New York Times - Sports

Lena was not able to reach him, even by phone.

The New Yorker

"We're pleased we were able to reach a successful agreement".

The New York Times - Arts

That means not being able to reach millions of Afghans.

The Guardian

I have been able to reach most of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs in place of "reach" to add precision and nuance to your writing. For example, instead of 'able to reach an agreement,' you could say 'able to negotiate an agreement'.

Common error

Avoid using "able to reach" in vague contexts where the intended target or outcome is unclear. Always specify what is being reached to prevent confusion. For example, avoid saying 'They are able to reach,' instead, say 'They are able to reach the summit'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to reach" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the capacity or capability to make contact, achieve, or access something. Ludwig examples shows this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to reach" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the capability or potential to make contact, achieve a goal, or access something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom is being reached to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "capable of attaining" and "in a position to contact", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of attaining

Focuses on the capability of achieving something, emphasizing the inherent ability.

in range of

Indicates being within a certain scope or limit, suggesting accessibility.

accessible for communication

Emphasizes the ease of contacting or communicating with someone or something.

equipped to achieve

Highlights the readiness and resources available to accomplish something.

can get hold of

Focuses on the practical ability to find or contact someone or something.

in a position to contact

Highlights the ability to establish communication, specifically focusing on being in the right circumstances.

empowered to connect

Highlights the authorization and ability to form a connection.

within striking distance

Implies being close enough to achieve a goal or make an impact, often used in a competitive context.

in a position to influence

Highlights the ability to exert influence, focusing on being in a favorable condition.

has the potential to influence

Focuses on the latent capacity to have an effect on someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "able to reach" in a sentence?

You can use "able to reach" to describe the capacity to make contact, achieve a goal, or access something. For instance, "The company is "able to reach" a wider audience through its online marketing efforts".

What are some alternatives to saying "able to reach"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "capable of attaining", "in a position to contact", or "accessible for communication".

Is it correct to say "able to be reached" instead of "able to reach"?

"Able to be reached" implies that something can be contacted or accessed by others. It's grammatically correct but has a slightly different nuance than ""able to reach"", which emphasizes the subject's capacity to make the connection.

What's the difference between "able to reach" and "managed to reach"?

"Able to reach" indicates a general capability, while "managed to reach" implies that someone successfully achieved reaching something, often overcoming challenges or obstacles. For example, "He was able to reach the office early" vs "He managed to reach the office despite the traffic".