REACH OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

To seek to establish communication or to offer help or support. Often used for emotional or practical connection with individuals or groups.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To seek to establish communication or to offer help or support. Often used for emotional or practical connection with individuals or groups.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The verb and particle can be separated by the object.
Register
Neutral
It is versatile and appropriate for both casual and formal contexts.
Transitive
No
It does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple reach out I reach out to my friends during tough times.
Past Simple reached out She reached out to her mentor for advice.
Present Continuous reaching out They are reaching out to new volunteers.
Present Perfect have reached out He has reached out to multiple charities this year.

💡 When to Use

offering support
Use when you intend to provide help or assistance to someone in need of emotional or practical support.
Example: "I will reach out to her after the surgery."
establishing contact
Use when you need to communicate with someone, often for collaboration or feedback purposes.
Example: "They decided to reach out to the new clients."
seeking advice
Use when contacting someone knowledgeable to gain insight or guidance on a specific issue.
Example: "He reached out to his professor for career guidance."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: I reached on to her for help.
✅ Correct: I reached out to her for help.
💡 Tip: 'Out' is the correct preposition to express extending a connection.
Incorrect separation
❌ Wrong: Reach the problem out with me.
✅ Correct: Reach out to me with the problem.
💡 Tip: Keep the phrasal verb structure intact for clarity.
Using with a direct object
❌ Wrong: Reach out your hand.
✅ Correct: Reach out to ask for assistance.
💡 Tip: Focus on connecting, not physical actions.
Practice

REACH OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

contact connect

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In times of need, people often ___ to those they trust."

reach in
reach out
reach across
reach over

"When you reach out to others, you create bridges of understanding, sharing the warmth of human connection in a vast world."

In Context

In the early 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. frequently reached out to communities across the United States, bridging gaps between racial divides. In Montgomery, he reached out to African American citizens to orchestrate the iconic bus boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. As the movement gained momentum, he reached out to influential leaders across different communities, garnering international support. His journey reached its zenith during the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his historic 'I Have a Dream' speech. This address reached out to the nation's heart, awakening a shared vision of equality. King's efforts inspired new legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, significantly shifting societal attitudes. However, his journey was tragically cut short with his assassination in 1968. Despite his death, his acts of reaching out left an indelible legacy, instilling solidarity and hope in the ongoing struggle for justice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Reach Out

What is the origin of reach out?

+
The phrasal verb 'reach out' originated from Old English, evolving to emphasize extending one's effort or communication towards others.

Can reach out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Reach out' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, suitable for professional settings and personal interactions.

What is the difference between reach out and contact?

+
'Reach out' often implies offering emotional support or seeking connection, while 'contact' is more formal, indicating communication without emotional context.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

act onwork topush forput intoput on
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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