Reach vs. Arrive vs. Come

These verbs are synonyms but they emphasize different points and are grammatically different. Follow the lesson to learn their difference.

What is the difference between 'reach' and 'arrive'?

'Reach' and 'arrive' and 'come' all mean to get to a place or destination. However, 'reach' emphasizes the time or effort spent in the journey while 'arrive' merely refers to ending the journey and 'come' is similar to 'arrive' but is used with both animate and inanimate subjects . This lesson will discuss the difference in meaning and grammatical structure of these verbs.

Difference in Emphasis

'Reach' is often used when the emphasis is on the process of getting to a destination, particularly after a long or challenging journey. It implies a sense of effort, progress, or overcoming obstacles to finally get to the intended point. 'Arrive', on the other hand, simply means to get to the place one intended or the final destination. It focuses more on the act of getting somewhere rather than the journey. 'Come' is similar in meaning to 'arrive'. However, while 'come' can be used with any subject, human or non-human, 'arrive' is only used with human subjects. Here are some examples:

They sailed for weeks to reach the distant island.

After hours of hiking, we reached the summit of the mountain.

'Reach' is used when talking about a long or difficult journey to the destination.

The train will arrive at the station in ten minutes.

They arrived at the restaurant for their dinner reservation.

A letter came for you this morning.

He came home late at night.

Grammatical Difference

'Arrive' is an intransitive verb that is often followed by an adverb of place. 'Reach' is always a transitive verb that specifies the destination of movement as its object.

It was past midnight when I arrived.

'Arrive' is an intransitive verb. You can't say 'I reached' because 'reach' is a transitive verb and needs an object.

We arrived at the airport just in time for our flight.

Here, 'at the airport' is a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb of place.

The storm came unexpectedly.

After a long hike, they finally reached the remote waterfall.

Here, 'the remote waterfall' is the object of the verb. You can't say 'we finally arrived the remote waterfall'

Tip!

You arrive 'at' a specific place, such as the airport, the party, the hotel, etc.
You arrive 'in' a country or city.

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