Approach vs. reach

[hector51]

please show me the differences between "approach" and "reach",like in this sentence:
"Enemy plans were approaching the city from all directions"

why can't we use "reaching" here,thx in advance!

[BobK]

To approach is get closer to somewhere/something.
To reach is to actually get there.

"The army's plan was to approach the city from all sides; but they never reached it - they we're always driven back before getting there."

b

[Humble]

Hi Hector,
I think you've got a typo - enemy planes, not plans. Some addition to what Bob said:
The sentence describes the process (while reach, as Bob said, would mean the final result) and shows how the situation was getting dangerous.
Reach usually conveys the idea of overcoming some difficulties: All the passegers of the capsized ferry reached the shore safely.
Rgs

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Humble

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Reach usually conveys the idea of overcoming some difficulties: All the passegers of the capsized ferry reached the shore safely.
Rgs

Good point. You live and learn. Thanks.

b