What are the definitions of “reach out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stretch your arm to get something.
I REACHED OUT and caught the ball.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reach out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reach out is to stretch your arm to get something or touch something. For example, it can mean trying to grab an object that is far away or extending your hand to touch something.
What are the different verb forms of “reach out”?
| Root Verb | reach out |
| Third Person Singular Present | reaches out |
| Present Participle | reaching out |
| Simple Past | reached out |
| Past Participle | reached out |
Example
She reached out to grab the book on the top shelf.
Example
He reaches out to touch the painting.
Example
The baby is reaching out for the toy.
Example
Yesterday, I reached out to catch the ball.
Example
She had reached out to touch the flowers.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reach out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“reach out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She reached out to grab the book.
Example
He reached out to touch the painting.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“reach out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She reached out to grab the book.
Example
He reached out to touch the painting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reach out”?
Good things to know
Does “reach out” have an informal or formal tone?
Reach out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business communication or professional writing.
