reaching out to

USAGE SUMMARY

"reaching out to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the act of trying to make contact or establish a connection with someone. For example, "My boss is reaching out to potential new investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started reaching out to architects.

The New York Times

"I started reaching out to comics immediately.

The New York Times - Magazine

We should be reaching out to them".

The New York Times

Moms reaching out to moms, friends reaching out to friends, parents reaching out to teachers.

The Washington Post

Finally, you're reaching out to people's pain".

The New Yorker

"David — please stop reaching out to me.

The Washington Post

She is reaching out to Silicon Valley.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tat Tip: Become comfortable reaching out to upperclassmen!

Cornell University

Japanese companies are reaching out to the world.

The New York Times

For years, however, reaching out to injured people was difficult.

The New York Times

"It's about reaching out to other people as well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reaching out to", clearly state the purpose of your communication to ensure clarity and encourage a response.

Common error

Avoid using "reaching out to" as a vague opening. Instead, provide specific details about why you're making contact to avoid appearing generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching out to" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating contact or communication with someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reaching out to" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for initiating contact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's effective across various contexts, although being mindful of formality is key. For alternatives, consider "contacting" or "connecting with". Always provide clear context when "reaching out to" someone to ensure your message is well-received. Its frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources make it a reliable choice for professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contacting

Implies a direct communication attempt.

connecting with

Focuses on establishing a relationship or rapport.

getting in touch with

A common expression for initiating communication.

liaising with

Suggests a more formal or professional interaction.

engaging with

Emphasizes active involvement and interaction.

approaching

Highlights the act of initiating contact.

communicating with

A general term for conveying information or ideas.

making contact with

Similar to 'contacting' but slightly more formal.

establishing communication with

Focuses on setting up ongoing dialogue.

networking with

Implies building professional connections.

FAQs

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

You can use "reaching out to" to indicate initiating contact with someone, as in "I am reaching out to potential clients to introduce our new services".

What are some alternatives to "reaching out to"?

Alternatives include "contacting", "connecting with", or "getting in touch with", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "reaching out to" in professional communication?

It's appropriate when you are initiating contact for a specific purpose, such as networking, offering assistance, or seeking information. However, avoid using it as a generic greeting.

Is "reaching out to" considered formal or informal?

While generally acceptable in most contexts, "reaching out to" leans towards informal. For very formal situations, consider alternatives like "contacting" or "liaising with".