reach for
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle for
Meanings
Move your hand toward something to take or touch it
Why “for”? The verb keeps its usual meaning. FOR links it to a target, choice, cause, person, or thing.
“Omar reached for his coat.”
“She reached for the light switch.”
Test yourself
“Omar reached for his coat.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
aim for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Try to achieve a particular result
ask for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Request something from someone
care for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Provide regular help and attention to someone or something
fight for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Work very hard to protect or gain something important
look for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Try to find someone or something
opt for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Choose an option after considering the choices
pay for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Give money to cover the cost of something
provide for
Same for pattern: usual meaning
Supply the money or things that someone needs
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