on reaching vs when I reach

Both "on reaching" and "when I reach" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "On reaching" is used to describe an action that happens immediately after reaching a certain point or destination. "When I reach" is used to talk about a future event or action that will happen once a specific point or destination is reached.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 930 views

on reaching

The phrase "on reaching" is correct and commonly used in English to describe an action that happens immediately after reaching a certain point or destination.

This phrase is used to indicate that something will happen right after reaching a specific point or destination. It is often used in sentences like "On reaching the airport, we will take a taxi to the hotel."

Examples:

On reaching the top of the mountain, they celebrated their achievement.
On reaching the office, she realized she had forgotten her keys.
On reaching the station, the train had already left.
On reaching the age of 18, you can vote in the elections.
On reaching the destination, they found the hotel closed.

Show examples from the web [+]

The cruise will be confirmed on reaching a minimum 35 participants.
NO: the electric circuit closes on reaching the preset level.
We all commended the new US vision on reaching a framework agreement as groundbreaking and forward-looking.
'Anglo politics is based on reaching a majority.
Thought she doesn't have some qualities on becoming a lady herself, Ruby gives her determination on reaching her goals.
Directions Offer: Kindly contact us on reaching the Kumily Bus Stand & we will be happy to assist you to Mount Sinai.
NC: the electric circuit opens on reaching the preset level.
This article will shed some illumination on reaching great hair through simple steps you can follow each day.
Some do so earlier with a view to having the resignation take effect immediately on reaching 75.
At a popular WebmasterWorld forum, participants share tips and encouragement on reaching a goal of $300 per day from AdSense.
However, the report indicated that time has run out on reaching the WFS target at the global level.
Forced to leave the BBC in 1950 on reaching retirement age, Boult took on the chief conductorship of the LPO.
The Tuareg cross, worn today by women around the neck, like a pendant, was originally a male prerogative, which passed from father to son on reaching puberty.
This Directive should apply only to supplementary pensions which, according to the rules of the relevant pension scheme or national law, are based on reaching retirement age or fulfilling other conditions.
I should like to thank Commissioner Bolkestein's political staff and secretariat for their constant readiness to engage in discussions with us and to work with us on reaching compromises.
Efforts must now be focused on reaching these objectives and making these common principles operative;
I am thinking of the young man with a promising future whose life is suddenly turned upside down when, on reaching adulthood, he proves to be schizophrenic.
At Meridiana all the passion of the owners is lavished on reaching the true respect of the Organic.
As it has only been relatively recently that I started really taking on reaching my goals, it has made the last few years a very exciting time with many achievements.
Fly your shuttle higher and higher as you earn money to upgrade it. Work on reaching space.

Alternatives:

upon reaching
upon arrival
after reaching
when reaching
once reaching

when I reach

The phrase "when I reach" is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a future event or action that will happen once a specific point or destination is reached.

This phrase is used to indicate a future action or event that will occur after reaching a certain point or destination. It is often used in sentences like "When I reach the airport, I will call you."