Meaning & use
approached
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“approached” is a form of “approach”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Came nearer to someone or something in distance, time, or amount.
Grammar: Can take an object (approached the door) or stand alone (winter approached).
Patterns
- approached someone/something
- approached from somewhere
- approached slowly
The train approached the station slowly.
As the deadline approached, everyone worked faster.
She approached me at the party and said hello.
verbtransitive
Spoke to someone, usually for the first time, about a request or offer.
Grammar: Takes a person as object, often followed by 'about' or 'for': approached her about the job.
Patterns
- approached someone about something
- approached someone for something
He approached the manager about a pay rise.
They approached several banks for a loan.
verbtransitive
Dealt with a problem, task, or situation in a particular way.
Grammar: Takes an object: approached the problem differently.
Patterns
- approached something differently
- approached something with caution
The team approached the task with great care.
She approached the question from a new angle.
Word forms
| third person singular | approaches |
|---|---|
| present participle | approaching |
| past tense | approached |
| past participle | approached |
Common combinations
- approached the door
- He approached the door quietly.
- approached the end
- The project approached the end of its funding.
- approached with caution
- The stranger was approached with caution.
- approached the subject
- She approached the subject gently.
Synonyms and how they differ
- came near
- More literal and physical; 'approached' also works for time and amounts.
- contacted
- Focuses on communication, while 'approached' can also mean physical movement.
- tackled
- Used for dealing with problems; 'approached' is broader and more neutral.
Opposites
Word family
- approach verb
- The base form meaning to come near or deal with something.
- approach noun
- A way of dealing with something, or the act of coming near.
- approachable adjective
- Friendly and easy to talk to.
Commonly confused: approached or reproached?
approached vs reproached
Means blamed or criticized someone; 'approached' means came near or spoke to someone.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'Approach' takes a direct object without a preposition, so 'approached the bridge' is correct. 'Approached to' is a common mistake because learners expect a preposition like 'to' after verbs of movement.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “approached”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.