throughout
- 01 B1 Intermediate
prep.in every part of a place.
prep.in or to every part of a specific area or object.
Simple“The virus spread throughout the country within just a few weeks.”
In context“The scent of pine needles was noticeable throughout the house, lingering long after the holiday decorations had been removed.”
UsageAlways followed by a noun phrase indicating the location.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
prep.during the entire period of time.
prep.continuously or repeatedly during the entire duration of an event or period.
Simple“He remained calm throughout the long and difficult interview.”
In context“Throughout the nineteenth century, the city underwent a series of radical urban transformations that redefined its social geography.”
UsageFollowed by a noun phrase indicating a time period or event.
Synonymsduringall through - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.in every part or during the whole time, without naming the place or time again.
adv.in every part or during the whole period; used as an adverbial modifier often at the end of a clause.
Simple“The house was painted white throughout.”
In context“The film was quite boring, but the music was excellent throughout.”
UsageOften placed at the end of a sentence or after the noun it modifies.
Teacher's tipThis adverbial use is slightly more formal than the prepositional use.
Synonyms
Usage throughout the day · throughout life · throughout the entire
From Old English þurh ūt, equivalent to through + out. Compare German durchaus (“all the way, fully, absolutely”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.