are reaching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are reaching for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone attempting to grasp or obtain something, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The children are reaching for the stars, dreaming of a bright future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The phrase you are reaching for is "business as usual".

The Guardian - Film

Caught off guard, economists are reaching for explanations.

The New York Times

Palestinians are reaching for a tech start-up future.

The New York Times

I'm very much an admirer of people who are reaching for things and trying to survive.

The Guardian - Film

A boundary will win this now, and Sean Ingle and I are reaching for the Prozac.

The Guardian - Sport

Greeks for their part, as future citizens of the European Union, are reaching for different solutions.

The New York Times

As China's economy soars, its hotels are reaching for the sky.

The New York Times

Other traders are reaching for their guns in North West Frontier province.

The Economist

It also suggests that Kips Bay organizers are reaching for a younger audience.

The New York Times

People are becoming more removed from their objects so they are reaching for something more tangible.

Independent

Getting on the treadmill ReprintsSome policymakers are reaching for a new tool: behavioural economics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are reaching for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is attempting to attain, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "The company is reaching for higher profits" clarifies the objective.

Common error

Avoid using "are reaching for" when a simpler verb like "want" or "need" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic. Opt for clarity and conciseness when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are reaching for" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of attempting to obtain something. Ludwig AI shows many examples where this phrase is used to describe both literal and figurative attempts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are reaching for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that conveys the action of attempting to obtain something, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, primarily from news and media sources. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the objective and to avoid overuse for the sake of conciseness. Alternatives like "are striving for" or "are aiming for" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are striving for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in pursuing a goal.

are aiming for

Highlights the intention and direction towards a specific target.

are pursuing

Focuses on the act of following or trying to achieve something over a period.

are seeking

Implies a deliberate search or quest for something.

are attempting to obtain

More formal and explicitly states the intent to get something.

are trying to achieve

Highlights the effort being made to accomplish a particular goal.

are working towards

Suggests consistent effort over time to accomplish a goal.

are going after

More informal, implying an active pursuit of something desirable.

are endeavoring to

A more formal way of saying 'are trying to', often implying a significant effort.

are aspiring to

Indicates a high level of ambition and a desire to achieve something significant.

FAQs

How can I use "are reaching for" in a sentence?

You can use "are reaching for" to describe an attempt to attain something, either literally (e.g., "They are reaching for the stars") or metaphorically (e.g., "The company is reaching for a larger market share").

What can I say instead of "are reaching for"?

You can use alternatives like "are striving for", "are aiming for", or "are pursuing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are reaching for success" or "are striving for success"?

Both phrases are correct, but "are striving for success" often emphasizes the effort and determination involved, while "are reaching for success" can imply a more aspirational or ambitious goal.

What's the difference between "are reaching for" and "are grasping at"?

"Are reaching for" typically suggests a positive and proactive attempt to attain something. "Are grasping at", on the other hand, often implies desperation and a lack of other options.