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Meaning trap

go through

experience something difficult or unpleasant

to experience a difficult, unpleasant, or challenging situation or period in your life.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

experience something difficult or unpleasant

to experience a difficult, unpleasant, or challenging situation or period in your life.

go through (examine or check something carefully)

Another meaning of 'go through' is 'examine or check something carefully'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She went through a lot after losing her job.daily life
  • During my teenage years, I went through many changes that helped me become more independent.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: go through something

WrongHe went through with a divorce last year.

RightHe went through a divorce last year.

'Go through + experience'. 'Go through WITH' means force yourself to complete something — different meaning.

Patterngo through something

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She is currently enduring a very difficult period.

Natural She's going through a really tough time.

'Go through' is the natural verb for living through something hard. 'Enduring a difficult period' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • go through + ordeal
    a tough timea lota breakupchemo

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'go over', which means to review or check.

Try it in Daily Speak →