Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Go Through": Meanings and Usage
The English phrasal verb "go through" is a versatile and commonly used expression that can initially seem tricky for learners aiming to learn English. Understanding how to correctly use and go through its various meanings and structures is key to unlocking more natural and fluent communication. This post will help you master this important part of English vocabulary by dissecting the phrasal verb "go through", exploring its definitions, grammatical patterns, and providing practical examples. You'll discover its multiple meanings, see how it's used in sentences, find related synonyms, and test your knowledge to confidently use "go through".
Table of Contents
- What Does "Go Through" Mean?
- Structure with "Go Through"
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does "Go Through" Mean?
The phrasal verb "go through" is a multifaceted expression in English, crucial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of English phrasal verbs. At its core, it often implies a process of experiencing something, examining items methodically, or a proposal being officially accepted. The specific meaning of "go through" can change significantly depending on the context in which it's used, making it a fascinating verb to study.
More: Go Out: English Phrasal Verb Meanings and Usage
Structure with "Go Through"
Understanding the structure of "go through" is essential for using it correctly. This phrasal verb can be transitive (requiring a direct object) or intransitive, depending on its meaning. Let's explore some of its most common meanings and their typical sentence structures.
Meaning 1: To Experience, Endure, or Suffer Something (Often Difficult)
This is one of the most common uses of "go through". It describes undergoing a challenging or significant period or event.
- Structure: Subject + go through + Noun Phrase (the difficult experience/period)
- Example 1: "She had to go through a lot of pain after the surgery."
- Explanation: Here, "a lot of pain" is the difficult experience she endured.
- Example 2: "The company is going through a major restructuring phase."
- Explanation: This indicates the company is experiencing a significant, possibly challenging, process of change.
Many learners find this usage of "go through" relatable, as life often presents situations one must simply experience or endure.
Meaning 2: To Examine Something Carefully; To Search Thoroughly
When you go through something in this context, you are carefully checking or looking for something within a collection of items or a space.
- Structure: Subject + go through + Noun Phrase (the items or place being examined/searched)
- Example 1: "I need to go through my emails to find that specific message."
- Explanation: This means the person will search their emails systematically.
- Example 2: "The customs officer asked to go through their luggage."
- Explanation: The officer intended to examine the contents of the luggage.
This meaning of "go through" is often used when talking about tasks that require attention to detail and systematic checking. It’s a practical term for everyday situations involving searching or reviewing.
Meaning 3: To Be Officially Accepted or Approved
This usage of "go through" typically applies to plans, laws, applications, or deals that require formal consent or passage through a system.
- Structure: Subject (the proposal, law, application, etc.) + go through
- (Optionally, it can be followed by a phrase indicating the system or authority, e.g., "go through parliament")
- Example 1: "The new bill is expected to go through without much opposition."
- Explanation: This means the bill is likely to be officially approved or passed.
- Example 2: "His visa application finally went through after weeks of waiting."
- Explanation: The application was successfully processed and approved.
Understanding this aspect of "go through" is particularly helpful when discussing formal procedures and outcomes. It conveys the idea of successful passage or approve-al.
Meaning 4: To Use Up or Spend a Supply of Something
This meaning of "go through" refers to consuming or exhausting a resource, often money, food, or other supplies, sometimes quickly or in large amounts.
- Structure: Subject + go through + Noun Phrase (the supply being used up/spent)
- Example 1: "We go through at least three cartons of milk a week in our house."
- Explanation: This indicates that they consume a significant amount of milk weekly.
- Example 2: "He went through his entire inheritance in less than a year."
- Explanation: This implies he spent all his inherited money rapidly.
This usage highlights the consumption aspect of "go through", useful when discussing habits, resource management, or rapid depletion of items.
More: Understanding 'Go on with': Meaning and Usage in English
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your English vocabulary involves learning synonyms. While no synonym perfectly captures all nuances of "go through", several words and phrases can be used in similar contexts depending on the specific meaning intended.
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Undergo | To experience something, especially a change or something unpleasant. | "The patient will undergo extensive tests tomorrow." |
| Examine | To look at or consider a person or thing carefully and in detail. | "The detective will examine all the evidence closely." |
| Review | To look at or consider something again, typically to make changes or assess. | "Please review this document for any errors." |
| Consume | To use up a resource. | "This old car tends to consume a lot of fuel." |
| Endure | To suffer something difficult, painful, or unpleasant patiently. | "They had to endure harsh conditions during the expedition." |
These synonyms can help you vary your language and understand phrasal verbs and their related concepts more deeply. Remember to consider the context when choosing an alternative to "go through".
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Go on': Meaning & Usage
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of the phrasal verb "go through". Choose the best option for each question.
Question 1: Which sentence uses "go through" to mean 'experience a difficult time'? a) I need to go through these files by tomorrow.
b) She had to go through a lot of stress during her exams.
c) The proposal will go through the committee next week.
d) We go through a lot of coffee in this office.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The new law didn't _________ parliament as expected." Which is the correct completion? a) go over
b) go by
c) go through
d) go under
Correct answer: c
Question 3: If you "go through" your notes, you are most likely: a) Spending them quickly.
b) Getting them officially approved.
c) Experiencing them as a hardship.
d) Examining or reviewing them carefully.
Correct answer: d
Question 4: "We _________ all our savings on that disastrous holiday." Choose the best fit for the context of using up resources. a) went off
b) went through
c) went out
d) went under
Correct answer: b
Consistent practice is key to mastering English phrasal verbs like "go through". Try creating your own sentences using its different meanings!
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using the phrasal verb "go through" can significantly enhance your English fluency. As we've explored, its various meanings—from experiencing hardship and examining details to gaining approval and consuming resources—make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. By familiarizing yourself with its structures and contexts, and by practicing regularly, you'll become more confident in using "go through" naturally and effectively in your conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and you'll learn English more deeply one phrasal verb at a time!