reaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reaching" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of stretching and extending one's body or limbs towards something, and also when referring to the process of arriving at a particular destination or goal. Example: "She leaned forward in her chair, reaching out to grab the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His record - two cups within six months of his appointment, a domestic treble in his first full season, a second title in 2005 and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League - set the context for a rueful but masterfully understated parting comment: "I'm sure those people who look at the facts will say that during a period of downsizing, I was reasonably successful".

The Guardian - Sport

In Cappadocia, the thrill of hurtling along a trail on two wheels is amplified by its otherworldly landscape of rock pillars, known as "fairy chimneys", many reaching more than 40 metres high, as well as its cave houses and ancient Byzantine churches.

The Guardian - Travel

This might not be a problem if it were a drug for TB, malaria or AIDS – but critics of the HPV donation asked why cervical cancer received such a comprehensive effort in Rwanda – reaching 95% for 11-year-old girls when disease incidence lags well behind other vaccine-preventable diseases in the developing world (read the Rwandan health minister's persuasive rebuttal).

The Guardian

The attack provoked a wave of disgust and outrage across France, reaching government level, until Leblanc confessed that she had made the whole thing up.

The Guardian - Film

The St Johnstone manager, Tommy Wright, wants his side to banish the semi-final ghosts of Tynecastle after reaching the last four of the Scottish Cup with a 3-1 victoveroveRaithth Rovers at Stark's Park.

The Guardian - Sport

The ABC is full of inadequacies, insider journalism and parochialism but the sheer range of its content across multiple platforms, reaching millions of Australians every day, is a key reason it must be defended against its opponents.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're realistic: we know it is difficult, but we're not here on an excursion," Blanc had said and their presence gave hope of reaching the three-goal target.

The Guardian - Sport

Because that's going to help in reaching a deal: adding in another complex, controversial subject to the pile.

The Guardian

Egypt's prison sector is now reaching full capacity.

The Guardian

The Tories have proposed reaching the same point through no tax rises, £12bn in welfare cuts and £5bn in corporate tax evasion revenues.

The Guardian

Best, Joe Dear Joe, I confess I had no idea who you were when your letter first arrived, but having looked you up, I discover that though you are a lesser Jew than me – la chose juive c'est aussi importante que la chose génitale (as Charcot would say – there might be some $$$$ in my extravagantly parenthesised bons mots reaching a wider audience).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reaching" to describe an attempt to communicate or connect with someone, consider adding "out" for emphasis, as in "reaching out to customers".

Common error

While versatile, repeatedly using "reaching" can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "achieving", "attaining", or "contacting" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "reaching" is as a verb in its present participle form, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Sport

3%

Books

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reaching" is a versatile present participle with diverse applications, from describing physical extension to achieving goals and establishing connections. As Ludwig AI indicates, "reaching" is grammatically correct and widely used. It maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts, though formal writing may benefit from more precise synonyms. Common usages include "reaching out" for emphasis on communication, but overuse can lead to monotony. Authoritative sources like The Guardian frequently employ "reaching", solidifying its status as a very common term in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attaining

Focuses on achieving or gaining something, similar to reaching a goal.

achieving

Implies successful accomplishment, close to reaching a milestone.

contacting

Emphasizes establishing communication or connection, like reaching out to someone.

extending to

Highlights the act of stretching or spanning, akin to reaching a certain distance.

approaching

Suggests getting closer to a target or destination, similar to reaching a location.

arriving at

Implies the culmination of a journey or effort, like reaching a final destination.

getting to

Focuses on the process of arriving at a place or state.

making contact with

Specifies the action of connecting with someone or something.

touching

Implies physical contact or emotional connection, like reaching someone's heart.

striving for

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in pursuing a goal, similar to reaching for success.

FAQs

How is "reaching" used in a sentence?

"Reaching" can describe physical extension (e.g., "She was reaching for the star"), achieving a goal (e.g., "Reaching an agreement was hard") or communicating (e.g., "We are reaching out to customers").

What can I say instead of "reaching out"?

You can use alternatives like "contacting", "connecting with", or "engaging with" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "reaching" and "achieving"?

"Reaching" implies movement or extension towards something, while "achieving" emphasizes the successful attainment of a goal. You might be "reaching" for a target but not yet "achieving" it.

Is "reaching" formal or informal?

"Reaching" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more specific synonyms might be preferable in highly formal writing.