go through

phrasal verb·7 senses·particle through

Meanings

1

Travel from one side to the other

Why “through”? Movement goes from one side to the other.

We went through the tunnel at midday.
We travelled across to the other side via the tunnel at midday.
The hikers went through the forest to reach the lake.
The hikers travelled from one side of the forest to the other to reach the lake.
2

Be approved or accepted by a system

Messagesuncommon

Why “through”? A call or message moves through a line and reaches someone. You connect, make contact, or make the idea clear.

My application finally went through.
My application was finally approved and accepted.
Her visa finally went through in March.
Her visa was finally approved and accepted in March.
3

Examine something carefully

Why “through”? You check each part from start to finish.

Let's go through each figure one by one.
Let's examine each figure carefully, one by one.
Let's go through every receipt before lunch.
Let's examine every receipt carefully before lunch.
I'll go through the figures line by line with you.
I'll examine the figures systematically with you.
4

Experience a difficult time

Why “through”? You continue during a hard time until it ends.

She's going through a tough time.
She's experiencing a tough period.
He's going through a divorce right now.
He's experiencing a divorce right now.
5

Be officially approved or completed

Finishinguncommon

Why “through”? You start a task and keep going to the end. You finish the whole thing.

The sale went through last week.
The sale was officially approved last week.
The visa went through yesterday.
The visa was officially approved yesterday.
6

Use up a quantity of something quickly

Why “through”? You move through a supply until none is left.

Kids go through clothes fast.
Children use up clothes quickly.
The cafe goes through milk quickly.
The cafe uses up milk quickly.
7

Practise something step by step

Let's go through the routine again.
Let's practise the routine step by step again.
Let's go through the song once more.
Let's practise the song step by step once more.

Don't confuse with

go throughgo around

Go through means travel from one side to the other. Go around means take a longer path to avoid something.

go throughgo away

Go through means travel from one side to the other. Go away means travel somewhere for a holiday or break.

go throughgo round

Go through means travel from one side to the other. Go round means travel in a circular path or loop.

Test yourself

We went through the tunnel at midday. What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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