not reach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not reach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has failed to arrive at a destination or achieve a goal. Example: "Despite our efforts, we could not reach a consensus on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They could not reach me.

The New York Times

Second, do not reach.

The New York Times - Sports

His streak will not reach 265.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, the Jets did not reach consensus.

The New York Times - Sports

"I certainly did not reach it lightly.

The New York Times

But they could not reach an agreement.

The New Yorker

The pigeons could not reach the seed.

The New Yorker

That streak did not reach 31.

The New York Times - Sports

Martin would not reach the finals again.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameroon will not reach the second round.

The New York Times - Sports

It need not reach out.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not reach" to clearly indicate a failure to achieve a specific target, goal, or destination. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about what was not reached and why.

Common error

Avoid using "not reach" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts where a more nuanced or specific verb might be appropriate. Overuse can make your writing vague. Consider alternative verbs like "fail", "neglect", or "omit" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not reach" functions as a negative verb phrase. It indicates the failure to attain a goal, contact someone, or arrive at a destination. Ludwig AI shows many examples where "not reach" is used to negate the action of reaching a specific outcome or location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not reach" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a failure to attain a goal, contact someone, or arrive at a destination. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. When using "not reach", ensure that the context is clear and that the intended meaning of non-attainment or non-arrival is effectively conveyed. Consider alternative phrases like "fail to attain" or "fall short of" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to attain

Emphasizes the failure in achieving a desired outcome.

fall short of

Indicates that the target or goal was not completely achieved.

not achieve

A direct synonym indicating a lack of accomplishment.

be unable to access

Focuses on the inability to gain entry or connection.

prove unattainable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching something.

remain beyond

Suggests that something is outside the limits or scope.

stay out of range

Implies that something is not within a specified distance or capability.

not come close to

Indicates a significant distance from the desired result.

miss the mark

Implies that something failed to meet the required standard.

cannot get to

Highlights the inability to physically arrive at a destination.

FAQs

How can I use "not reach" in a sentence?

You can use "not reach" to describe failing to attain a goal, like: "The company did "not reach" its sales target this quarter." It can also mean failing to contact someone, such as: "I could "not reach" him by phone."

What are some alternatives to "not reach"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fail to attain", "fall short of", or "not achieve".

When is it appropriate to use "not reach" in formal writing?

"Not reach" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly state that a specific target or goal was not achieved. It's suitable for reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What's the difference between "not reach" and "not achieve"?

While both phrases indicate a failure to attain something, "not reach" often implies a failure to arrive at a destination or to contact someone, whereas "not achieve" more broadly indicates a failure to accomplish a goal. You might "not reach" a destination due to travel delays, but "not achieve" a goal due to poor planning.