through
through; by going inside (passing within)
- Passing within/inside a space or passage.
- Across crosses an area/surface; through goes inside (a tunnel, a door, a forest).
- Time use: through + a period = continuing until it ends (through the night).
Scene category
Controls
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Examples
Spatial examples
Walk through the door.
The train goes through the tunnel.
Time examples
I'll be busy through the morning.
We worked through the night.
Dynamic examples
The train went through the tunnel.
She walked through the forest.
Related prepositions
Key differences
Through focuses on going inside a space/passage and coming out the other side. Compare it with across and throughout to avoid confusion.
Across crosses an area/surface; through goes inside a passage or space.
Throughout means in all parts of a whole area/period; through is a path/passage idea.
Over often means during a period. Through often suggests continuing until the end (or completing something).
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Is there clear motion or a path (walk/run/fly/roll/climb)?
Yes -> consider through; if it's static position only, use a spatial preposition.
What is the path relation: through, across, along, toward, into, onto?
If it is not this page's relation, switch to a closer option like across or throughout.
Is the sentence about reaching an endpoint (enter/land/arrive)?
Yes -> an endpoint preposition (into/onto/to) may fit better; No -> choose by the path itself.
Common collocations
Passages / inside
Time: until the end
Means / completion
Common mistakes
Avoid: She ran through the street. (meaning: to the other side)
Use: She ran across the street.
Reason: Across reaches the other side. Through is for going inside a passage/space.
Avoid: It rained through the day. (meaning: all parts of the day)
Use: It rained throughout the day.
Reason: Throughout means in all parts of the whole period.
Avoid: I got the job by a friend.
Use: I got the job through a friend.
Reason: Through can mean "by means of / via a connection".
Mini quiz
Question 1
Choose the correct preposition: The train went ___ the tunnel.
Choose an answer
Question 2
Choose the correct preposition: I'll be busy ___ the morning.
Choose an answer
Question 3
Choose the correct preposition: I got the job ___ a friend.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What does "through" mean?+
Through means passing within/inside a space or passage and coming out the other side. Example: The train went through the tunnel.
What is the difference between "through" and "across"?+
Across crosses an area/surface (across the street). Through goes inside a passage/space (through the tunnel, through the forest).
What is the difference between "through" and "throughout"?+
Throughout means in all parts of the whole area/period (throughout the day). Through is a path/passage idea (walk through the park).
Can "through" be used for time?+
Yes. Through + a period means continuing until it ends: through the night, through the morning.
Can "through" mean "by means of / via"?+
Yes. Example: I got the job through a friend. It means "via a connection/channel".
Is "through" a preposition or an adverb?+
Both. Preposition: through + noun (through the door). Adverb: We are through (= finished) is also common.
What are common collocations with "through"?+
through the door, through the tunnel, through the night, through a friend, get through the exam, work through a problem.
How can I remember "through" quickly?+
Picture going inside a tube and coming out: in one side, out the other side.