What is arrive? Pronunciation and usage in English

arrive means . Learn how to pronounce and use arrive through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of arrive

arriveverb

/əˈrʌɪv/
Definition & pronunciation of arrive

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "arrive" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • Ar: This part is often the most difficult. It sounds like “err” as in “error.” Think of the sound you make when you're trying to remember a word.
  • -rive: This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "reeve" (rhymes with "leave").

2. Putting it Together:

So, "arrive" is pronounced: "err-ive"

3. Tips and Nuances:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable, "err." You want that syllable to be the loudest and most emphasized part of the word.
  • "Err" Sound: Really try to mimic the sound you make when you're trying to recall a word. It’s not quite like “art,” but it’s close.
  • Don’t add an extra vowel: Avoid saying “a-rr-ive.” Just stick to “err-ive.”

4. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Search for “arrive” on Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It demonstrates the pronunciation perfectly.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/arrive/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce arrive" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What’s your native language? Knowing your native language might help me pinpoint specific pronunciation challenges you might have.

Usage and examples with the word arrive in English

Let's break down how to use the word "arrive" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: To Reach a Place

This is the most common usage. "Arrive" means to reach a destination by a particular means of transport or after a journey.

  • Example: "The train arrived at the station on time."
  • Example: "We arrived at the beach around noon."
  • Example: "They arrived in Paris yesterday."

2. More Formal/Literary - To Come into Being or Existence

Sometimes, "arrive" can refer to something becoming present or appearing. This usage is less common in everyday conversation but appears frequently in writing and more formal contexts.

  • Example: “The new regulations arrived with little warning.” (Meaning: The regulations came into effect.)
  • Example: “Hope arrives with the dawn.” (Referring to the feeling/expectation of hope.)
  • Example: “A difficult chapter arrived in his life.” (Meaning: A challenging period started.)

3. Phrases Using "Arrive"

Here are some common phrases containing "arrive":

  • Arrive at: To reach a specific place. (Most common usage) “I arrived at the meeting promptly.”
  • Arrive by: To reach a place using a certain method (e.g., car, train). “She arrived by bus.”
  • Arrive on time: To reach a place when scheduled. “Please arrive on time for the interview.”
  • Arrive late: To reach a place after the scheduled time. “He arrived late to the party.”
  • Arrive unexpectedly: To reach a place without being expected. “We arrived unexpectedly at her house.”

4. Tense Usage

  • Present Simple: "The bus arrives at 8 am every day." (Regular schedule)
  • Past Simple: "I arrived at my friend's house yesterday." (A completed action in the past)
  • Present Continuous: "They are arriving at the airport now." (Something happening at this moment)
  • Past Continuous: “I was arriving when it started to rain.” (An action in progress when something else happened)

5. Synonyms

Depending on the context, you could also use:

  • Reach
  • Get to
  • Come to
  • Appear
  • Commence (more formal, for things becoming present)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., travel, everyday conversation, writing, a specific topic?)
  • Do you have a particular sentence you're struggling to use "arrive" in?

Synonyms for the word arrive

Idioms of the word arrive

somebody has arrived
(informal)somebody has become successful
  • He knew he had arrived when he was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize.
  • The lad has arrived as a Premiership goalkeeper.

Practice with vocabulary arrive

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We will ______ at the airport by 8 PM.
  2. She decided to ______ the meeting early to prepare.
  3. The package did not ______ on time, so we had to wait another day.
  4. He plans to ______ at the restaurant before it gets too crowded.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What time did they ______ at the conference?
    a) arrive
    b) reach
    c) come
    d) depart

  2. The train is expected to ______ in 10 minutes.
    a) leave
    b) arrive
    c) go
    d) stop

  3. Which word means to get to a place?
    a) depart
    b) arrive
    c) disappear
    d) avoid

  4. The guests decided to ______ earlier to avoid traffic.
    a) leave
    b) arrive
    c) stay
    d) wait

  5. The flight was delayed, so they couldn’t ______ on time.
    a) reach
    b) depart
    c) arrive
    d) exit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. They got to the hotel at 7 PM.
  2. The train reached the station late due to bad weather.
  3. She came to the meeting with all the necessary documents.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. arrive
  2. attend
  3. arrive
  4. arrive

Exercise 2:

  1. a) arrive, b) reach, c) come
  2. b) arrive
  3. b) arrive
  4. b) arrive
  5. c) arrive

Exercise 3:

  1. They arrived at the hotel at 7 PM.
  2. The train arrived at the station late due to bad weather.
  3. She attended the meeting with all the necessary documents.

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