reaching in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reaching in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of extending one's hand or arm into something, such as a container or space, to retrieve or interact with an object. Example: "She was reaching in to grab the last cookie from the jar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Hardly that," Gerald said, reaching in to shake Todd's hand.

The New Yorker

"When you're reaching in there, all bets are off," Scioscia said.

The New York Times - Sports

Reaching in one direction, Mr. Graf helped Build's member churches raise $1.2 million for construction.

The New York Times

Make it clear, make it simple, make it broad reaching in its appeal.

The Guardian

As they become more successful, Tuton notes, outside forces are reaching in, "trying to mould us".

The Guardian - Music

She also plays full-size instruments, though usually by reaching in to strike the strings directly.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The other innovation is simple to describe but potentially very far-reaching in its effects.

The Guardian - Books

But [they] will soon have to be even more far-reaching in their impacts".

The Guardian

The bill is a shambles, cack-handed and far-reaching in the damage it will inflict.

The Guardian

The consequences of this gesture will be far-reaching in our future relations with Iran.

The New York Times

The scandal is perhaps the most far-reaching in the nine years since Karzai took power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reaching in" to describe a physical action of extending a hand or object into something to retrieve, touch, or manipulate something within.

Common error

Avoid using "reaching in" when a more direct or specific verb would be clearer. Overusing it in metaphorical contexts can weaken your writing. Use it to describe an action where there is a direction towards the inside of something, if not stick to simple verb for figurative speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching in" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of extending a hand or object into something. It is often used to indicate a physical action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reaching in" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the physical act of extending a hand or object into something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to depict an action of accessing or manipulating something within a space or container. This phrase appears frequently in news, scientific articles, and general writing, as evidenced by numerous examples. While versatile, it’s important to consider more specific verbs for clarity, avoiding overuse in figurative contexts. Some alternatives include "extending into" or "delving into". The phrase maintains a neutral register and is widely understood across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extending into

Focuses on the action of extending something into a space or object.

reaching inside

Highlights the act of reaching towards the internal part of something.

accessing from within

Emphasizes the act of gaining access to something from the inside.

delving into

Implies a more thorough and investigative action of reaching in.

plunging into

Suggests a quick and decisive movement of reaching in.

inserting hand into

More literal and descriptive, specifies the action of inserting a hand.

putting hand inside

Similar to the previous, emphasizing placing the hand within something.

retrieving from within

Highlights the action of taking something out from the inside.

searching within

Focuses on looking for something inside an enclosed space.

accessing internally

Stresses the internal aspect of gaining access.

FAQs

How can I use "reaching in" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching in" to describe the physical act of extending your hand into something. For example: "She was reaching in to grab the last cookie from the jar."

What are some alternatives to "reaching in"?

Some alternatives to "reaching in" include "extending into", "reaching inside", or "delving into" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "reaching in" literally?

While "reaching in" is generally used literally, it can also be used metaphorically. However, ensure the context is clear. Otherwise, choose a more specific verb to avoid confusion.

Which is correct, "reaching in" or "reaching inside"?

Both "reaching in" and "reaching inside" are correct, but they might have slightly different connotations. "Reaching in" implies a general action, while "reaching inside" specifies that the destination is the interior.