Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Reach Out To': Uses and Examples

📖 Definition

To 'reach out to' means to make an effort to communicate with someone or to offer help, usually in a considerate or supportive way.

Examples in context

The charity organization reached out to local businesses for sponsorship.
He is reaching out to new alumni to engage them in university activities.
After the meeting, she reached out to several colleagues for feedback.

📖 Definition

To 'reach out to' means to make an effort to communicate with someone or to offer help, usually in a considerate or supportive way.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Reach out to' cannot be split by other words; the components must stay together.

Neutral

Used across both formal and informal settings; suitable for various communication contexts.

Transitive

Yes

The verb requires an object, usually a person or group, to whom the action is directed.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	reach out to	I reach out to old friends every weekend.
Past Simple	reached out to	She reached out to her mentor for advice yesterday.
Present Continuous	reaching out to	They are reaching out to local communities for support.
Present Perfect	have reached out to	We have reached out to several experts for their opinions.

💡 When to Use

Seeking assistance

Use when attempting to contact others for help, advice, or information. It's about forming a communication link.

Example: "I reached out to a colleague to help solve the issue."

Offering support

Employ when expressing willingness to help someone in need, showing empathy, and fostering relationships.

Example: "We are reaching out to those affected by the storm."

Networking

Use when making connections for professional, social, or strategic purposes. Facilitates new opportunities.

Example: "He reached out to former clients at the networking event."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Omitting preposition

❌ Wrong: I reached out him for help.

✅ Correct: I reached out to him for help.

💡 Tip: Always include 'to' after 'reach out'.

Incorrect past tense

❌ Wrong: She reach outed to her teacher.

✅ Correct: She reached out to her teacher.

💡 Tip: Use 'reached out' as the past tense form.

Improper object usage

❌ Wrong: They reached out for a solution.

✅ Correct: They reached out to their manager for a solution.

💡 Tip: Ensure the object is a person or group you contact.

Practice

REACH OUT TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The charity organization reached out to local businesses for sponsorship.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

He is reaching out to new alumni to engage them in university activities.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

After the meeting, she reached out to several colleagues for feedback.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

contact connect with

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"When in doubt, never hesitate to ___ others for help."

reach onto

reach out to

reach over

reach within

"In the pursuit of connection, those who reach out to others often find bridges where walls once stood, creating pathways of understanding."

In Context

In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus sought to reach out to new worlds beyond the known European frontiers. He first reached out to the Portuguese monarchy for support in his venture but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, Columbus then reached out to the Spanish monarchy, presenting his plans to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. His persistence in reaching out to influential figures eventually garnered the support he needed. They granted him ships and funding, driven by the promise of expanding Spain’s influence and wealth. Upon securing this aid, Columbus set sail in 1492, reaching what he believed was a route to Asia but instead encountering the Bahamas. This discovery marked a crucial moment in history, reaching out to new territories that altered global trade and interaction forever. Columbus’s willingness to reach out to those in power not only enabled his voyage but also catalyzed the age of exploration, impacting subsequent geopolitical dynamics profoundly. His voyages across the Atlantic opened European eyes to the vast possibilities beyond their borders, setting the stage for further exploration and colonization by other European powers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Reach Out To

What is the origin of reach out to?

The phrase 'reach out to' originated from literal physical reaching but gained metaphorical usage in communication during the 20th century, emphasizing emotional or supportive contact.

Can reach out to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'reach out to' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal settings. It’s appropriate in professional emails, casual conversations, and administrative notices, providing a universally understood gesture of communication or assistance.

What is the difference between reach out to and contact?

'Reach out to' implies a more personal, empathetic effort to establish communication, while 'contact' is straightforward, focusing on the act of communicating without emotional nuance.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

REACH OUT TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Reach Out To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega