# through

/ˈθɹu/ (US) · /θɹˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/through
Updated: 2026-06-15

## Senses

### 1. moving from one side to the other

preposition · CEFR A1

entering one side of something and coming out the other side.

For teachers: expressing movement into one side and out of the opposite side of an enclosed space or volume.

- The train went through the tunnel and came out into the sunlight.
- The hikers navigated through the dense forest for several hours before finally reaching the clearing at the base of the mountain.

### 2. by means of

preposition · CEFR B1

using a person, thing, or system to get a result.

For teachers: indicating the agency, medium, or instrument by which an effect is produced or an end is achieved.

- I found out about the job through a friend who works there.
- The researchers secured the necessary funding through a combination of private donations and government grants.

### 3. from start to finish

preposition · CEFR A2

from the beginning to the end of a period of time.

For teachers: during the entire period or throughout the duration of an event or timeframe.

- The baby slept through the night without waking up once.
- The witness remained remarkably calm through the entire cross-examination, never once losing her composure under pressure.

### 4. up to and including

preposition · CEFR B1 · American English

until a certain point, including that point itself.

For teachers: indicating a range that includes the final mentioned value or date.

- The shop is open Monday through Saturday but closed on Sundays.
- The exhibition will be on display from January through March, featuring works from the artist's private collection.

Usage: In British English, 'to' or 'until' is more common for this meaning.

### 5. all the way

adverb · CEFR A2

from one side to the other, or until the end.

For teachers: from beginning to end, or completely from one side to the other.

- The rain soaked him all the way through to his skin.
- The drill bit went all the way through the thick timber, leaving a clean exit hole on the underside.

### 6. finished

adjective · CEFR B1 · Informal

having completed a task or a relationship.

For teachers: having reached the end of a process, task, or interpersonal relationship.

- I am finally through with my homework, so I can go out now.
- After years of constant arguments and broken promises, she decided she was finally through with the relationship.

Usage: Often used with 'with' when referring to a task or person.

### 7. direct travel

adjective · CEFR B2

traveling to a destination without needing to change trains or buses.

For teachers: describing a journey or vehicle that proceeds to a destination without requiring a transfer.

- Is this a through train to London, or do I have to change?
- The airline recently introduced a through flight to Singapore, significantly reducing the total travel time for passengers from this region.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.