i reached around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I reached around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing a physical action of reaching behind or to the side of themselves. Example: "As I tried to grab the book from the shelf, I reached around to find it behind the other items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And one evening she had given me a ride home, with her kids in the car, and, as I was getting out, I reached around and sort of playfully tickled their feet — I think the little girl was barefoot, it was very warm.

The New Yorker

At that moment, I reached around and felt my back and pulled my hand back, and it was covered with blood.

The New Yorker

Quietly, so as not to disturb them, I reached around in the closet to find a new hanger for my father's coat.

The New Yorker

I reached around and unhooked my bra and told him, "Yes, yes I do".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I've reached around in the bed in the middle of the night and felt my dog's head thinking I left the baby with me.

Huffington Post

I cracked the front door, reached around, unlocked the back and leaned in.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cabby reached around and slammed it.

The New Yorker

I reached gently around her small frame and guided her arms into the plush sleeves of her soft, quilted aqua robe.

HuffPost

After falling prey to a fake postal money order scheme, he said, "I couldn't reach around far enough to kick myself". Single and lonely, Mr. McCrary joined an international online dating site, Elitemate.com.com

The New York Times

As I reached up and fished around, I got the sense that perhaps they had been purposefully placed out of his reach.

The New Yorker

I reached Florence Airport at around 6 a.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using descriptive words to specify how and why you "reached around". For example, "I reached around cautiously" adds detail and paints a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I reached around" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where a literal physical reach isn't involved. This can create confusion and weaken your writing. Opt for phrases that better reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I reached around" functions as a narrative action, describing a physical movement. It indicates that the subject extended their arm or hand in a specific direction, often behind or to the side. Ludwig AI confirms the expression as perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I reached around" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a physical action involving extending an arm or hand in a specific direction, typically behind or to the side. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. It's important to use this phrase in contexts where a literal reaching action is intended, avoiding overuse in abstract or metaphorical situations. Understanding its nuanced meaning and appropriate contexts will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I reached back

Directly indicates reaching towards the rear.

I extended my arm

Focuses on the extension of the arm, removing the directional aspect.

I stretched out my hand

Highlights the physical act of stretching to reach something.

I put my arm out

A simple description of extending one's arm.

I groped behind me

Implies a less precise and perhaps searching movement to the rear.

I leaned over and reached

Adds the element of leaning to extend reach.

I felt around

Emphasizes the tactile sensation of searching by touch.

I maneuvered to grab

Focuses on the adjustment made to accomplish the reaching movement.

I manipulated my arm to reach

Highlights the physical manipulation of the arm.

I swung my arm

Suggests a swinging motion to reach a target.

FAQs

How can I use "I reached around" in a sentence?

Use "I reached around" to describe physically extending your arm or hand, often behind or to the side. For example, "I reached around to grab the ringing phone." or "I reached around to adjust the car seat."

What's a more descriptive way to say "I reached around"?

Depending on the context, you could use more specific phrases like "I stretched out my hand", "I reached back", or "I extended my arm" to provide a clearer picture of the action.

Is it correct to say "I reached around" or should I use a different preposition?

"I reached around" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. The preposition "around" indicates the direction or manner of reaching.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "I reached around"?

Avoid using "I reached around" in abstract or metaphorical contexts where a physical reaching motion isn't actually happening. In such cases, alternative phrases would be more suitable.