through

The word "through" can be used as a preposition, an adjective, or an adverb.

When "through" is a preposition, it means that something goes from one end to another:

• We drove through the tunnel.
• Let’s walk through the park.
• Sandra was sick all through last week.
• Push the needle through the fabric to sew on the button.
• This bus goes through Chicago on the way to Detroit.
• The tiger jumped through a flaming ring of fire.

When "through" is an adjective, it means that a person is finished with something.

• Are you through? (Are you finished?)
• He’s through with lunch. (He’s done.)
• What time do you get through with work today? (What time are you done working?)
• She gets through with school in the afternoon.
• The day is finally through! (It’s over.)
• Their marriage is through. (It’s over.)
• I’m through being nice to you!
• Are you through with the Blue Level yet?

In this last set of examples, the word "through" is an adverb used with the verb "come." Together, come and through mean that something is successful.

• His raise finally came through. (He got a raise.)
• The signal for the cell phone isn’t coming through.
• I can’t hear you. You’re not coming through.
• Tom came through for the team at the last minute.

This is a very important word, especially as a preposition. Click here if you want to learn more about the word "through."

To practice your pronunciation of the unvoiced "th" sound, click here.

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First published on May 26, 2014.