Difference between access and reach

[Goran]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", question 4

Old lady: The fact is I just can't ......... that cereal packet on the top shelf.

(a) touch
(b) reach
(c) acquire
(d) access

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", answer 4

Old lady: The fact is I just can't reach that cereal packet on the top shelf.

Correct answer: (b) reach
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what is the difference between access and reach?

Goran

[Alan]

Hi,

Reach usually as here means get to physically with your hands. Access is abstract in the sense of getting to things like facilities.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a student teacher

[Hani]

correct sentence:
Old lady: The fact is I just can't reach that cereal packet on the top shelf.

Correct answer: (b) reach

Your answer was: incorrect
your sentence:
Old lady: The fact is I just can't touch that cereal packet on the top shelf.
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Can you explain this for me?

[Alan]

Hi,

Reach is needed here because the Old lady wants to get hold of the cereal packet to buy it.

A
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Indirect Speech