What are the definitions of “reach out to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ask for help.
I REACHED OUT TO you when I was in trouble and you were a great help.
- 2Offer help.
Charities are REACHING OUT TO those who lost their homes in the floods.
- 3Try to communicate and establish good relations with people.
The candidates are REACHING OUT TO the poor to get their votes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reach out to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reach out to is to try to communicate with someone, often to ask for help or offer help. It can be used when you want to establish a connection with someone or show support. For example, you might reach out to a friend who is going through a difficult time or reach out to a colleague for assistance with a project.
What are the different verb forms of “reach out to”?
| Root Verb | reach out to |
| Third Person Singular Present | reaches out to |
| Present Participle | reaching out to |
| Simple Past | reached out to |
| Past Participle | reached out to |
Example
I always reach out to my friends when I need advice.
Example
She reaches out to her mentor for guidance.
Example
He is reaching out to his classmates for help with the assignment.
Example
Yesterday, they reached out to the community for support.
Example
The company has reached out to potential investors.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reach out to”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“reach out to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She reached out to her friends for support.
Example
He reached out to his colleagues for help with the project.
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 to” 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 her friends for support.
Example
He reached out to his colleagues for help with the project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reach out to”?
Reach out and touch someone
A phrase used to encourage people to communicate with others, especially through phone calls.
Example
In the old days, the phone company's slogan was 'Reach out and touch someone,' encouraging people to stay connected.
Reach out for the stars
To aim for ambitious goals or dreams.
Example
She always encouraged her children to reach out for the stars and follow their dreams.
Reach out of your comfort zone
To try new things or experiences that may be challenging or uncomfortable.
Example
To grow as a person, it's important to reach out of your comfort zone and face your fears.
Good things to know
Does “reach out to” have an informal or formal tone?
Reach out to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as professional communication, such as in emails or business meetings.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “reach out to”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- avoid
- disconnect
- ignore
- shun
- neglect
- isolate
