Compare arrival and accomplishment.
The idea
Reach takes a place, level or goal. Achieve commonly takes a goal, result or success. Both can take a goal.
| Verb | Common objects |
|---|---|
| reach | a place, level or goal |
| achieve | a goal, result or success |
Examples
- We reached the village before sunset.
- The water reached the top step.
- Sales reached a thousand units in May.
- The team achieved its goal through careful planning.
- Our class achieved a better result this term.
- They achieved success after years of practice.
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Watch out
Do not use achieve for arrival at a physical place.
Try it yourself
Choose the best form. At noon we ___ the station. (reached / achieved)
Show answer or example answer
reached
reached: the station is a place.
Choose the best form. After months of work, the group ___ its aim. (reached / achieved)
Show answer or example answer
achieved / reached
achieved or reached: an aim is a goal, so both fit.
Choose the best form. The temperature ___ forty degrees. (reached / achieved)
Show answer or example answer
reached
reached: forty degrees is a level.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the best form. At noon we ___ the station. (reached / achieved)
Choose the best form. After months of work, the group ___ its aim. (reached / achieved)
Choose the best form. The temperature ___ forty degrees. (reached / achieved)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a place you reached and a goal you achieved.