reach for

IPA/ɹˈiːtʃ fɔː/
IPA/ɹˈiːtʃ fɔːɹ/

reach for — phrasal verb

  • reach forbase form
  • reaches for3rd person singular
  • reaching for-ing form
  • reached forpast simple

1. to stretch out your arm or hand to try to touch, hold, or pick up someone or som

1.片語動詞及物A2
釋義

to stretch out your arm or hand to try to touch, hold, or pick up someone or something that is not close to you

例句

Tamar reached for a glass on the top shelf but could not quite touch it.

reach for + physical object on a shelf

The old man slowly reached for his walking stick before standing up from the chair.

同義詞
  • grab

    quicker and more urgent than reach for; implies a faster motion

  • stretch for

    emphasises the extending of the arm, especially when the object is far away

反義詞
  • let go of

    the opposite motion, releasing something already held

文法句型

reach for + physical object

用法筆記

The object is usually a concrete physical item that you want to pick up, or a part of a person's body that you want to touch. This sense is often used with adverbs of manner such as 'quickly', 'carefully', or 'eagerly'.

常見錯誤

❌He reached for the bus stop just in time.
✅He reached for the bus stop sign to steady himself.
💡'reach for' needs something you can physically touch or hold, not a location or destination.

2. to make a strong effort to achieve something difficult or ambitious, such as a d

2.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a strong effort to achieve something difficult or ambitious, such as a dream, a goal, or a high standard of success

例句

Isabela decided to reach for her dream of becoming a doctor despite the difficulties.

reach for + dream of [profession]

The young gymnast trained every day to reach for Olympic gold in the next games.

同義詞
  • strive for

    slightly more formal; emphasises determined effort over desire

  • aim for

    less emotional than reach for; focuses on setting a target rather than the effort

  • aspire to

    more formal; highlights a strong personal wish to achieve something great

反義詞
  • settle for

    to accept something less than what you originally wanted

文法句型

reach for + abstract goal or achievement

用法筆記

The object is typically an abstract goal or ambition (dreams, success, excellence, the stars). This sense carries a positive, aspirational tone. Unlike sense 1, the action is mental effort rather than physical hand movement.

常見錯誤

❌She reached for a new laptop at the store.
✅She saved money to buy a new laptop at the store.
💡'reach for' (sense 2) describes striving for goals or achievements, not simply picking up or buying everyday objects.
❌He reached for first prize by accident.
✅He reached for first prize by training very hard.
💡'reach for' implies deliberate, sustained effort, not accidental success.