reaches to

USAGE SUMMARY

"reaches to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about an object or person extending out to a certain point. For example, "The tree's limbs reach to the edge of the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This invention reaches to the smallest details.

The Guardian - Books

The black wind sometimes reaches to the capital, Beijing.

The Guardian

This one," and he reaches to the shelf behind the cutting counter, "is perfect".

The New York Times

But his mother says he has started to flinch when she reaches to hug him.

The New York Times

Joe Torre reaches to take the baseball from them, but they don't want to share.

The New York Times - Sports

She reaches to touch Mitz on the arm, and lets her fingers rest there.

The New Yorker

If he days No or reaches to a certain pocket- he'll make an efficient worker.

The New Yorker

Then he reaches to stroke her face, and it becomes a seduction.

The New Yorker

"It reaches to the McCain independents; it reaches a wider net".

The New York Times

There is yearning in her dancers' taut muscularity that reaches to the back row.

The New York Times - Arts

Cetaceans are distributed in all the world's oceans from the far polar reaches to the Equator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reaches to" to describe the extent of something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The project's impact reaches to communities across the region."

Common error

Avoid using "reaches to" when a simpler verb like "is" or "extends" would be clearer. Instead of "The cost reaches to $1 million", prefer "The cost is $1 million".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaches to" primarily functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, indicating the extent, limit, or range that something achieves. Ludwig confirms its validity, showcasing varied contexts from literature to science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reaches to" is a versatile phrase used to describe the extent, limit, or range of something, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedia articles, indicating a neutral to professional register. While generally correct, avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "extends to" or "amounts to" for clarity. When using the phrase, ensure it appropriately describes the scope you intend to convey. It's important to ensure that inanimate subjects don't sound awkward with the phrase. According to Ludwig, this expression is acceptable and quite frequent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extends to

Implies a physical or abstract expansion to a certain point.

stretches to

Suggests a linear extension or expansion, often implying effort or strain.

attains to

Indicates achieving or arriving at a certain level or condition.

touches

Implies physical contact or a slight influence.

amounts to

Signifies a total or result that is achieved.

applies to

Indicates relevance or applicability to a specific situation or subject.

penetrates to

Suggests a deeper level of entry or influence.

influences

Focuses on the impact or effect on something or someone.

gets to

Implies arrival or access to a particular place or state.

achieves

Highlights the successful completion or attainment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "reaches to" in a sentence?

You can use "reaches to" to describe the extent or limit of something. For instance, "The company's influence "extends to" international markets" or "The river "stretches to" the edge of the forest".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reaches to"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "reaches to" include "extends to", "stretches to", "attains to", "touches", or "amounts to".

Is it always necessary to include "to" after "reaches"?

The inclusion of "to" depends on the intended meaning. "Reaches" without "to" usually describes arriving at a destination, while "reaches to" describes the extent or limit something achieves. For example, "He reaches the summit" versus "His influence "reaches to" the entire organization".

When is it better to use "extends to" instead of "reaches to"?

While similar, "extends to" often implies a more gradual or deliberate expansion, whereas "reaches to" can suggest a limit or range. Use "extends to" when describing a broadening influence or application, and "reaches to" when specifying how far something goes.