English Reference

Phrasal verb

pass through

Definition

phrasal verb. to travel through a place while you are on your way to somewhere else, usually without staying for a long time.

phrasal verb. to travel through a location or region as a transit point toward a final destination. It can be used intransitively or with a direct object representing the place.

Examples

“We pass through this small village every day on our way to work.”

“Many tourists pass through this small village every summer, but very few actually stop to stay the night.”

“The migratory birds pass through the wetlands twice a year, utilizing the area as a critical resting point during their transcontinental journey.”

Examples

simple

“We pass through this small village every day on our way to work.”

contextual

“Many tourists pass through this small village every summer, but very few actually stop to stay the night.”

complex

“The migratory birds pass through the wetlands twice a year, utilizing the area as a critical resting point during their transcontinental journey.”

Usage

You can use it alone or follow it with the name of the place you are traveling through.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'visit' to show that 'pass through' means you do not plan to stay or explore much.

Pitfall

We passed through of the city.

We passed through the city.

The word 'through' acts as the preposition here, so you do not need to add 'of' after it.

Phrasal verb

Particles

through

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

pass + through + object

Synonyms

go throughtravel throughtransitcross

Antonyms

stayremainsettle

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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