reached out

USAGE SUMMARY

"reached out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you mean to express that someone was extending their arm, typically as an offer of assistance or kindness. Example: When he found out his friend was struggling, he reached out to offer help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She reached out to him.

The New York Times

"They reached out for me.

The New Yorker

"But this reached out".

The New York Times

He hasn't reached out".

The Guardian - Music

He reached out to shake my hand.

The New York Times

"He reached out to me," Bryant said.

The New York Times - Sports

A hand reached out — a woman approaching.

The New York Times - Sports

Hands reached out to drag us down.

The New Yorker

"At least they reached out," she said.

The New York Times

And I reached out for God".

The New York Times

"I have not reached out to them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached out" to indicate an attempt to make contact, offer help, or establish a connection. It's often used when the effort is proactive or intentional.

Common error

Avoid using "reached out" when the action was simply receiving communication. "Reached out" implies an active initiation of contact, not just a response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of making contact with someone, often to offer assistance or support. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reached out" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies initiating contact, typically to offer assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's most commonly found in news and media sources. When using "reached out", remember that it implies a proactive effort to connect, and consider alternatives like "contacted" or "got in touch with" to best fit the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contacted

Direct synonym focusing on the act of making contact.

got in touch with

Emphasizes establishing communication with someone.

made contact with

Highlights the action of initiating contact.

extended a hand to

Focuses on offering help or support.

offered assistance to

Specifically refers to providing help.

made an approach to

Indicates an attempt to connect or engage.

communicated with

General term for establishing communication.

made overtures to

Suggests a formal or deliberate attempt to connect.

connected with

Highlights establishing a connection or relationship.

got ahold of

An informal way to say contacted.

FAQs

How do I use "reached out" in a sentence?

You can use "reached out" to describe the act of initiating contact with someone, often to offer help or support. For example, "She "reached out" to her friend after hearing about their struggles".

What can I say instead of "reached out"?

You can use alternatives like "contacted", "got in touch with", or "offered assistance to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm reaching out"?

Yes, "I'm reaching out" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to indicate that you are currently in the process of making contact with someone.

What is the difference between "reached out" and "approached"?

"Reached out" typically implies making contact remotely, while "approached" often suggests a physical or more direct interaction. For example, "She "reached out" via email", versus "She "approached" him at the conference".