reach through

USAGE SUMMARY

"reach through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about extending your arm or hand to touch or grasp something. Example: He reached through the pile of boxes to find the remote control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Reach through the gaps in the frames," he said.

The New Yorker

Had we been able to reach through the glass, we could have touched the wrenches.

The New York Times

He borrowed ideas from evangelical and charismatic churches and expanded his reach through cable TV.

The New York Times

In one, the title figure, Sam Richard Fleeshmann, center), appears to reach through a door.

The New York Times

They had to reach through the tangled metal and sharp edges to free Firefighter Puppa's foot.

The New York Times

You wish you could reach through a phone and smash that fuckin' blogger, that hater.

The Guardian

Hands reach through smoke to grab scared children from rubble in the half-light.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Third, it eliminates a so-called reach-through provision that WiCell imposed in the past.

The New York Times

Will there be reach-through requirements on materials transferred?

Environmental Health Perspectives

Mr. Arondekar can be reached through [email protected].

The New York Times

Instead, they say an agreement will be reached through consensus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "reach through" accurately conveys the intended meaning; it often implies effort or overcoming a physical limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "reach through" when the action is simply about passing something without needing to extend effort or overcome a barrier; use "pass through" or "go through" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach through" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of extending one's hand or an object into or across something. Ludwig's examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts, extending from physical actions to emotional or communicative efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reach through" is a versatile phrasal verb that describes extending an arm, hand, or object, and sometimes metaphorically, to affect something beyond an immediate barrier. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its frequent appearance in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources indicates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended sense of physical or metaphorical extension and consider alternatives like "extend through" or "pass through" for nuanced meanings. This guide offers detailed insights and examples to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend through

Focuses on the physical act of extending an object, rather than necessarily making contact or affecting something on the other side.

pass through

Emphasizes movement from one side to another, often without interaction.

access via

Highlights gaining access to something by means of a specific method or pathway.

penetrate

Implies a more forceful entry or influence, often suggesting overcoming a barrier.

gain access to

Focuses on the act of obtaining entry or connection to something.

stretch across

Suggests a horizontal extension over a distance or area.

break through

Emphasizes overcoming resistance or obstacles to achieve a result.

make contact through

Highlights establishing communication or connection via a particular medium or channel.

get through

Focuses on succeeding in communicating or making progress despite difficulties.

connect via

Implies establishing a connection or link through a specific channel or method.

FAQs

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

You can use "reach through" to describe a physical action, like "He had to "reach through" the tangled metal to free the firefighter's foot." It can also be metaphorical, like "She alone can "reach through" the carapace of politeness."

What are some alternatives to "reach through"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extend through", "pass through", or "access via" /s/.

Is it correct to say "reached through" instead of "reach through"?

Yes, "reached through" is the past tense form of the verb phrase "reach through". For example, "He "reached through" the bars to grab the fallen object."

What does "reach-through" mean as a single compound?

As a single term with a hyphen, "reach-through" often appears in legal or business contexts, specifically relating to licensing agreements. For example: "The issue is further clouded by "reach-through" licenses."