reach for

USAGE SUMMARY

"reach for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you are trying to get, obtain, or achieve something. For example, "She reached for the highest shelf to grab the last box of cereal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reach for "The Scream".

The Economist

You reach for the door.

The New Yorker

They'll reach for a pill.

The New York Times

People reach for their checkbooks.

The New York Times - Arts

Reach for the closest edge.

The New Yorker

You reach for the driver.

The New York Times

You reach for the Dramamine.

The New Yorker

Sherry fans should reach for the oloroso.

The New York Times - Food

Instead, they reach for a familial embrace.

The New Yorker

I reach for his.

The New York Times - Magazine

They should reach for the stars!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reach for" to convey a sense of ambition, aspiration, or the physical act of extending to grasp something. For instance, "reach for the stars" encourages aiming high, while "reach for the handle" describes a physical action.

Common error

Avoid using "reach for" when a more specific verb would better describe the action. Instead of "He reached for the floor", use "He bent to pick it up" for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach for" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of attempting to grasp or attain something, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used to convey striving towards a goal or physically extending oneself to obtain an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reach for" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both physical actions and metaphorical aspirations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, indicating an attempt to get, obtain, or achieve something. With high occurrence in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a range of contexts. When aiming for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "strive for" or "aspire to" depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "reach for" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit, offering a straightforward way to convey intention and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for

Emphasizes continuous effort and ambition to achieve a goal.

aim for

Implies a specific target or objective to be attained.

aspire to

Suggests a strong desire and ambition for high achievement.

seek out

Focuses on actively searching for and pursuing something.

go after

Indicates a determined pursuit of a goal or objective.

try to obtain

Highlights the attempt to gain or acquire something.

attempt to grasp

Focuses on the effort to understand or seize something, whether physical or abstract.

make an effort to get

Emphasizes the exertion of effort to acquire something.

stretch to grab

Implies extending oneself, literally or figuratively, to obtain something just out of immediate reach.

make a grab for

Suggests a sudden or forceful attempt to seize something.

FAQs

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

You can use "reach for" to describe a physical action, such as "I "reach for" the book on the top shelf". It can also be used metaphorically to describe aiming for something, such as "Reach for your goals".

What are some alternatives to "reach for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "reach for" include "strive for", "aim for", or "aspire to".

Is it correct to use "reach for" in a formal context?

Yes, "reach for" is acceptable in formal contexts. However, consider whether a more precise or formal synonym like "pursue" or "seek" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "reach for the stars"?

To ""reach for" the stars" means to set ambitious goals and strive for something that seems difficult or impossible. It is an idiomatic expression encouraging high aspirations.