Language Research

reach · verb

/riːtʃ/Full view

reach (ARRIVE)

B1 T to arrive at a place, especially after spending a long time traveling

Dictionary examples:

We won't reach home till five or six o'clock.

The storm reached the coast of Florida this morning and continues to move west.

Learner example:

In the evening, it got colder than it [had been], so we reached home shivering. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

reach a decision/agreement/conclusion, etc.

B2 to make a decision/agreement/conclusion, etc. about something

Dictionary examples:

She reached the conclusion that there was no more she could do.

We'll inform you when a decision has been reached.

Learner example:

After having thought about this video, I reached the following conclusions: we must film the lessons which are the most important and the activities which take a great part [of the] day at school. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

reach (GET TO LEVEL)

B2 T to get to a particular level, situation, etc.

Dictionary examples:

The temperature is expected to reach 30 degrees today.

He just reached the grand age of 95.

They reached their target/goal of raising $100,000.

I've reached the point where I can relax and take a vacation.

Learner example:

My dad ha[s] already reached the age of 60. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

reach (STRETCH)

B2 I or T to stretch out your arm in order to get or touch something

Dictionary examples:

Our little girl isn’t tall enough to reach the light switches.

He reached for the phone and knocked over a glass.

He reached down/over and picked up the kitten.

She reached across the table to take the book.

Learner example:

So when I reached out my hand, I suddenly felt another hand. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

can/can't/could, etc. reach (sth)

B2 to be able to touch or take something with your hand

Dictionary examples:

Could you get that book down for me - I can't reach.

She's grown so tall that she can reach the door handle now.

Learner example:

Then I looked around my car and saw my handbag. I could hardly reach it but after some effort I got it. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

reach (TELEPHONE)

B2 T to speak to someone on the telephone

Dictionary example:

You can reach him at home.

Learner example:

I have been trying to reach him the whole day but I didn't get any answer. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

reach · noun U

/riːtʃ/

reach (DISTANCE)

B2 the distance that can be traveled, especially easily

Dictionary example:

We live within (easy) reach of the station.

Learner example:

Our city, Sardab, is located just two kilometers from [the] Caspian Sea, [and] it is within easy reach [of] the capital of our province. (First Certificate in English; B2; Farsi)

reach (TOUCH)

B2 Someone's reach is the distance within which they can stretch out their arm and touch something.

Dictionary examples:

I like to keep a notebook and pencil within reach.

The top shelf is out of reach.

Make sure that you keep all medicines out of the reach of children.