Arrive vs. Reach: Understanding the Difference in English

'Arrive' and 'Reach' both convey the meaning of 'to get to a place', but their usage differs slightly.

'Arrive' typically describes the action of reaching a destination, often implying a completed action. For example:

• 'We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight.'
• 'The package finally arrived after a week of waiting.'

'Reach' emphasizes the process of attaining a goal or position, suggesting effort and a sense of achievement. For example:

• 'After hiking for two hours, we finally reached the summit of the mountain.'
• 'The company hopes to reach a wider audience with its new marketing campaign.'

Additionally, 'Reach' can also indicate the action of extending a hand or an object. For instance:

• 'She reached for the phone on the desk.'
• 'The tree branches reached out over the fence.'