What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extending
Example
The company is extending the deadline for the project. [extending: verb]
Example
She extended her arm to reach the book on the top shelf. [extended: past tense]
Example
The organization is extending its services to more communities. [extending: present participle]
reaching
Example
After a long hike, we finally reached the summit. [reached: past tense]
Example
He reached for the phone on the table. [reached: past tense]
Example
The new policy aims to reach a wider audience. [reach: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reaching is more commonly used than extending in everyday language, covering a wide range of contexts from physical actions to abstract concepts. Extending is less common and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extending and reaching?
Extending is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while reaching is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
