What is reach? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reach" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by common uses, with examples:

1. Physical Distance – To Extend To:

• Meaning: To extend to a certain point; to be able to get to something.
• Example:
  • "I need to reach the top shelf to get the cereal." (Physically extend your arm)
  • "The bridge reaches across the river." (Extends physically)
  • "He reached for the pen on the desk." (Extended his hand)

2. Achieving a Goal – To Succeed:

• Meaning: To accomplish something; to succeed at something. Often used with verbs like "aim," "hope," or "strive."
• Example:
  • "She worked hard to reach her dream of becoming a doctor." (To achieve a goal)
  • "They reached a compromise on the budget." (They succeeded in finding an agreement)
  • “We’re trying to reach our fundraising target.” (To attain a specific amount)

3. Communicating – To Connect With:

• Meaning: To communicate with someone; to connect emotionally or intellectually.
• Example:
  • "I want to reach out to my old friend." (To contact them)
  • "He tried to reach her with his words, but she didn't understand." (To communicate effectively)
  • "This campaign aims to reach vulnerable communities.” (To connect with those groups)

4. Reaching a Certain Level – To Ascend:

• Meaning: To ascend to a higher position or level.
• Example:
  • "The climber reached the summit of the mountain." (Reached a high point)
  • “He reached a senior position in the company.” (Ascended to a higher rank)

5. Figurative – To Fulfill a Need/Desire:

• Meaning: To fulfill a need or desire (often for emotions, understanding). This is a more subtle use.
• Example:
  • "Music helps me reach a state of relaxation." (Fulfills a need for relaxation)
  • "The story reached a powerful emotional climax.” (Fulfilled an emotional need, created a strong impact)

6. As a Verb in Phrasal Verbs:

• "Reach out" (as in, offer help) – "Can you reach out to Sarah for me?"
• "Reach for" (as in, grab) – "He reached for a glass of water."
• "Reach into" (as in, retrieve) – "He reached into his pocket for his wallet.”
• "Reach up" (as in, stretch upwards) - “She had to reach up to get the fruit from the top shelf.”

7. As a Noun (Less Common):

• Meaning: A level or point that is difficult to reach.
• Example: “The final reach of the river was surprisingly wide.”

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

• Physical movement: "He reached for the book."
• Goal achievement: “She reached her goal.”
• Connection: “I want to reach my family.”

Resources for More Information:

• Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reach
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/reach

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to use "reach" in a sentence about? (e.g., physical distance, a goal, communication?)