SpeakUp

reach a goal — achieve an aim

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

to succeed in doing something you planned or wanted to do, especially after working hard for it.

Say it like a native

Textbook I succeeded in attaining my objective ahead of schedule.

Native I reached my goal ahead of time.

'Reach a goal' is the natural phrase; 'attain my objective' is formal.

Pattern: reach a/the goal

In use

  • After months of practice, she finally reached her goal of running a marathon.daily life
  • To reach my goal of becoming a doctor, I need to study hard and gain experience in hospitals.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ I want to reach to my goals.

✓ I want to reach my goals.

'Reach' takes the goal directly — no 'to'.

Common collocations

  • reach + a goal — a goal, your target, the finish line, milestones

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'set a goal' (decide what you want to achieve) and 'work towards a goal' (make efforts to achieve it). 'Reach a goal' means you have succeeded.

Practice speaking with instant AI feedback →