through

Pluralthroughs

1. 1
   preposition

   In one side and out the other side of something, such as a door, tunnel, window or crowd.

   I drove through Lausanne on my way to Zurich.

   The cat came in through the open kitchen window.

   UsageThrough is not threw (from throw).

   Note
2. 2
   by means ofpreposition

   By using something or someone, or with the help of it, as in 'I got the job through a friend'.

   She found her apartment through an ad on a local website.

   The team wins through intimidation.

   UsageSay through a friend or through hard work.

   Similarvia, by

   Note
3. 3
   preposition

   Moving forward inside something toward its end, or part of the way into it, as in 'halfway through the book'.

   I looked through my old photos last night.

   We worked our way through the pile of letters.

   UsageSay look through your photos.

4. 4
   to and includingprepositionCanadaUS

   In American English, up to and including, as in 'Monday through Friday'.

   The store is open Monday through Friday.

   Read chapters one through four for Tuesday.

   UsageOutside North America, people usually say Monday to Friday.

   Similarto, until

   Note
5. 5
   pushing amongpreposition

   Moving along inside something that surrounds you, like mud, air, or a crowd.

   We slogged through the mud for hours.

   We pushed our way through the crowd to get to the stage.

   UsageSay push your way through a crowd.

   Note
6. 6
   preposition

   Used after words like go, live or be to say someone is having an experience, often a hard or painful one.

   My aunt went through a hard time after she lost her job.

   My grandparents lived through a long war when they were young.

   UsageSay go through a hard time.

7. 7
   whole periodpreposition

   From the start of a period of time to its end.

   The baby slept through the night for the first time.

   We stayed awake through the whole storm, listening to the wind.

   UsageSay sleep through the night.

   Similarthroughout, during

   Note
8. 8
   because ofpreposition

   Because of, as the result of some cause or lack.

   Many houseplants die through too much water rather than too little.

   He lost the match through carelessness.

   UsageSay through no fault of my own.

9. 9
   preposition

   In every part of something, all over it.

   There was sand all through the car after our beach trip.

   Mix the blueberries through the batter before you pour it into the pan.

   UsageSay all through the house.

   Similarthroughout

   Note
10. 10
    adverb

    From the beginning to the end, all the way, as in 'read it through'.

    She read the letter through twice.

    We danced the whole night through at my cousin's wedding.

    UsageSay see it through for finishing a hard job.

    Similarthoroughly

    Note
11. 11
    break pastadverb

    Past a block or barrier, as in 'the cars can't get through'.

    The road is blocked, and cars can't get through.

    The army broke through at dawn.

    UsageOften used in get through or break through.

Showing meanings only. Show all 24