reaches the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reaches the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or argument that arrives at a critical or significant moment or conclusion. Example: "After much deliberation, the discussion finally reaches the point where we must make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think retouching is too much when it reaches the point of disfiguring," Dangin said.

The New Yorker

"It reaches the point where you start wishing for unlikely scenarios like an alien invasion.

The Guardian - Music

Wes's infatuation with Mongolia reaches the point where he only feels comfortable in traditional nomadic garb.

The Guardian - Film

I doubt they'd work for my dad, for instance, when he reaches the point of needing help.

The New York Times

In time the population as a whole again reaches the point at which it is susceptible to epidemic disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once a cover-up reaches the point where careers are put on the line, it invariably unravels.

The Guardian - Sport

It reaches the point where it becomes so linked to its host it can't feed on anything else.

The Guardian

But there is no point in continuing as prime minister if he reaches the point where he cannot make progress in tackling Italy's deep-seated problems.

The New York Times

"No one wants to be selling if the data reaches the point when the Fed begins to specifically talk about tapering.

The New York Times

"The hope would be that any project that reaches the point of commercial appeal would be moved out of the academic support line and into the private sector".

The New York Times - Health

When they win, they become more and more confident, until it reaches the point where they think they can take their foot off the gas.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reaches the point" to indicate a critical juncture or threshold in a process, argument, or situation. It's effective for showing when a change or decision becomes necessary.

Common error

While "reaches the point" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "gets to" or "arrives at" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaches the point" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the attainment of a specific stage or condition. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to describe progression in processes, arguments, or situations, signifying a critical juncture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reaches the point" effectively conveys the attainment of a specific stage or condition in a process or situation. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best to reserve "reaches the point" for situations where a critical juncture or threshold needs to be emphasized. Simpler alternatives may suit more casual conversations. Ludwig also shows a variety of authoritative sources employing this phrase, solidifying its position as a useful and acceptable element in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrives at the stage

Focuses on arriving at a specific stage in a process or development.

gets to the juncture

Emphasizes arriving at a critical or decisive moment.

attains the level

Highlights achieving a certain standard or degree.

culminates in

Implies reaching a final or climactic event.

comes to a head

Suggests a situation reaching a critical point or crisis.

hits the threshold

Focuses on crossing a specific limit or boundary.

achieves the milestone

Emphasizes accomplishing a significant goal or event.

gets to the place

Indicates arriving at a specific location or state.

encounters the moment

Highlights experiencing a particular instant or juncture.

finds itself at a crossroads

Implies being at a crucial decision-making stage.

FAQs

How can I use "reaches the point" in a sentence?

You can use "reaches the point" to indicate when something has progressed to a significant or critical stage. For example, "The discussion "reaches the point" where a decision must be made".

What are some alternatives to "reaches the point"?

Alternatives include phrases like "arrives at the stage", "gets to the juncture", or "attains the level", depending on the specific context.

Is "reaches the point" formal or informal?

"Reaches the point" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "approaches the point" and ""reaches the point""?

"Approaches the point" implies nearing a specific stage, while ""reaches the point"" indicates that the stage has actually been attained.