go through
B2Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To experience or endure something difficult or unpleasant; to examine or search carefully.
To be officially approved or completed; to perform a series of actions or a process; to use up or consume.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A multi-word verb (phrasal verb) with several distinct but related meanings, all involving the concept of movement through a process, experience, or physical space. Can be transitive (with an object) or intransitive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'go through' is slightly more frequent in the sense of 'experience hardship' (e.g., 'go through a rough patch'). In American English, 'go through with' (meaning to complete something planned, especially something unpleasant) might be more explicitly marked.
Connotations
Generally neutral across dialects. The 'endure hardship' sense carries a sympathetic connotation.
Frequency
High frequency in both dialects with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + go through + OBJ (experience/search)SUBJ + go through + with + OBJ (complete plan)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go through the motions”
- “go through hell and high water”
- “go through the roof”
- “go through channels”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The proposal must go through the committee before we get funding.
Academic
The data set needs to go through rigorous statistical analysis.
Everyday
I can't find my keys; I'll have to go through my pockets again.
Technical
The signal must go through several amplifiers before reaching the receiver.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's going through a rebellious phase at the moment.
- The bill went through Parliament surprisingly quickly.
- I went through three bottles of milk this week.
American English
- She went through a really tough time after the accident.
- Your application will go through the review board next Tuesday.
- He goes through a lot of coffee while working.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please go through the door on your left.
- I went through my bag to find my pen.
- They are going through a difficult period in their marriage.
- Go through the list and tick the items you have.
- The company is going through major restructuring.
- Before you submit, go through the report for any errors.
- The manuscript must go through several rounds of peer review before publication.
- He went through his inheritance in a matter of months.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tunnel: to 'go through' it is to experience the dark middle part before coming out the other side.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / DIFFICULTIES ARE OBSTACLES TO BE PASSED THROUGH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "идти через" for metaphorical senses. "Пройти через" (experience) or "просмотреть" (examine) are better fits.
- Do not confuse with "go over" (review).
- The Russian phrase "проходить через" is a close conceptual match for the 'experience' sense.
Common Mistakes
- *I went through to check the document. (Needs object: 'went through the document')
- *She is going through a lot of problems. (Redundant; 'going through a lot' is sufficient)
- Confusing 'go through' (examine/experience) with 'get through' (survive/finish).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The contract still has to go through legal,' what is the closest meaning of 'go through'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Go through' focuses on the process of experiencing or examining. 'Get through' emphasizes surviving, finishing, or managing to communicate (e.g., 'get through a crisis', 'get through on the phone').
Yes, though less common. It can describe any process (e.g., 'go through training', 'go through a beautiful ceremony'), but it often carries a neutral or slightly negative nuance due to the association with enduring.
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'through' (e.g., 'go through a process', not 'go a process through').
'Go through with' is a fixed phrase meaning to complete a planned action, especially an unpleasant or difficult one (e.g., 'He decided not to go through with the surgery').
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