The Difference Between “Arrive,” “Get,” and “Reach” for English Learners
Understanding the differences between “arrive,” “get,” and “reach” can be challenging for English learners, as these verbs all relate to movement and destination. However, they are used in different contexts and with varying grammatical structures. This guide will explain their meanings, usage, and common mistakes to help you master these verbs.
1. Arrive
“Arrive” means to come to a place, especially at the end of a journey. It emphasizes the completion of travel.
- Structure: arrive + in/at + place
- Examples:
- We arrived in Paris yesterday. (for cities, countries, or large areas)
- She arrived at the airport at 9 PM. (for specific locations like buildings, stations, etc.)
- Note: Do not use a preposition when “arrive” is followed by an adverb (e.g., “We arrived here safely”).
2. Get
“Get” is more informal and commonly used in spoken English to mean reaching a destination. It is often followed by “to” when specifying a place.
- Structure: get + to + place
- Examples:
- What time did you get to the office?
- They got to London late last night.
- Note: “Get” can also be used without “to” in phrases like “get home” or “get there.”
3. Reach
“Reach” means to arrive at a destination, often after effort or a long journey. It is more formal than “get” and does not require a preposition.
- Structure: reach + place
- Examples:
- After hours of driving, we finally reached the hotel.
- The train reached its destination on time.
- Note: “Reach” can also mean achieving a goal (e.g., “He reached his sales target”).
4. Key Differences and Common Mistakes
| Verb | Preposition Required? | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrive | Yes (in/at) | Neutral/Formal | She arrived at the station. |
| Get | Yes (to) | Informal | They got to the party late. |
| Reach | No | Formal | The team reached the summit. |
- Common Mistake: Saying “arrive to” (incorrect) instead of “arrive in/at.”
- Tip: Use “get” in casual conversations and “reach” in formal writing.
5. Practice Examples
Test your understanding with these sentences (answers in parentheses):
- We ___ the museum after a long walk. (reached)
- They will ___ in New York tomorrow. (arrive)
- What time did you ___ home last night? (get)
6. Conclusion
While “arrive,” “get,” and “reach” all describe coming to a destination, their usage depends on formality, prepositions, and context. Remember:
- Arrive + in/at (neutral/formal)
- Get + to (informal)
- Reach + no preposition (formal)
With practice, you’ll confidently choose the right verb in any situation!