reachable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reachable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that can be reached or obtained, or to describe something that can be contacted or communicated with. For example, "I have his phone number so I'm sure he's reachable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reachable only by a ladder and rope, this resembles nothing so much as a tree-house with sewing-machines.

The Economist

The UN's goal of wiping it out by 2005 seemed reachable.

The Economist

Online users tend to be more actively engaged; their experience defined by what is reachable through hyperlinks and searches.

The Economist

They can argue that a critical mass of minority students is reachable without considering an applicant's race; this is Ms Fisher's claim.

The Economist

More prosaically and immediately plausibly, Sterling considers space travellers who put copyrighted material from Earth on a server reachable from space, or engage in rights-violating "public performances" for crewmates.

The Economist

Claim game The other side of QE Working-age shift Vive la différence ReprintsIt gave no indication that the new 2% "target" was any more reachable through monetary policy than the 1% "goal" it replaced, nor did it give a more meaningful time frame for achieving it than "at the earliest possible time".

The Economist

It has separated the issues where agreement is reachable, such as arms control, from those where it isn't, such as the future of countries such as Georgia.

The Economist

The most vulnerable women typically qualify for public health care, so they ought to be reachable.

The Economist

You can filter Yelp's results just to view restaurants reachable by a short walk (a few blocks), a bike ride (2 miles), or a quick drive (5 miles).

The Economist

Dell remained grey, dull and reachable via the web and a toll-free number.Mr Dell stuck up for his friend for a long time.

The Economist

Some others, however, have come to believe that such a deal is no longer reachable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distances, use "reachable" with specific metrics to provide context, like "reachable within 5 miles".

Common error

Avoid using "reachable" when a more precise term like "achievable" or "attainable" would better convey the intended meaning. For instance, instead of saying "a reachable solution", consider "an achievable solution" if you mean a solution that can be realistically implemented.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "reachable" primarily functions to describe a noun as being within reach, either literally in terms of physical distance, or figuratively in terms of attainability. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "reachable" is a versatile term indicating the ability to access or attain something, either physically or metaphorically. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and common across diverse contexts. It is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts to describe proximity, attainability, or the possibility of communication. While alternatives like "accessible", "attainable", and "achievable" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance required. A best practice involves providing specific metrics when describing distances, whereas a common error is overusing "reachable" when more precise terms would be more suitable. In summary, "reachable" is a valuable tool for conveying the idea of accessibility and potential, provided it is used thoughtfully and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accessible

Refers to the ease with which something can be reached or obtained; a direct synonym.

possible to reach

A more literal phrasing indicating the physical or metaphorical possibility of reaching something.

attainable

Emphasizes the possibility of achieving a goal or reaching a state.

within reach

Indicates proximity and the ease of obtaining something.

available

Highlights the presence and readiness of something.

achievable

Focuses on the feasibility and possibility of accomplishing something.

approachable

Suggests a friendly and easy-to-interact-with quality, particularly when referring to people.

can be contacted

Specifies the ability to communicate with someone.

within striking distance

Implies nearness to a goal that requires effort to attain.

handy

Highlights the convenience and ease of access.

FAQs

How to use "reachable" in a sentence?

You can use "reachable" to describe something that can be physically accessed, like "The summit is "reachable" by a hiking trail", or to indicate attainability, such as "a "reachable" goal".

What can I say instead of "reachable"?

Alternatives include "accessible", "attainable", "available", or "achievable" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "reachable goal" or "attainable goal"?

Both are correct, but "attainable goal" often emphasizes the possibility of achieving the goal, whereas "reachable goal" might suggest the ease or directness of achieving it. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "reachable" and "accessible"?

"Reachable" often implies physical proximity or the ability to get to something, while "accessible" suggests the ease with which something can be used or obtained. For example, a building might be "reachable" by a road, but not "accessible" to someone in a wheelchair.