reach
verb (used with object)
to get to or get as far as in moving, going, traveling, etc..
were reaching
-
past progressiveof reach.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Crowds of fans were reaching their arms out towards buses as they travelled along the parade route.
From BBC ● May 31, 2026
Its ambassador to Pakistan also reportedly said efforts by the mediator country were reaching a “critical sensitive stage.”
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026
Intricate group choreography finds the Shakers swaying and stretching in tandem as if their hands were reaching up to pull God closer to Earth — or the congregation closer to Heaven.
From Salon ● Dec. 27, 2025
It also resulted in a delay in helping people affected by the flooding who were reaching out to FEMA’s phone line for assistance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2025
This was followed by an arm, an arm as thick as a tree-trunk, and the arm, the hand, the fingers were reaching out across the room towards Sophie’s bed.
From "The BFG" by Roald Dahl
