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Meaning trap

go through

examine or check something carefully

to look at or check something carefully, often to find information or make sure everything is correct.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

examine or check something carefully

to look at or check something carefully, often to find information or make sure everything is correct.

go through (experience something difficult or unpleasant)

Another meaning of 'go through' is 'experience something difficult or unpleasant'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I need to go through these documents before the meeting.study
  • Before submitting my essay, I always go through it to check for mistakes.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: go through something

WrongLet me go through with my emails first.

RightLet me go through my emails first.

'Go through + thing' (examine) takes no 'with'. 'Go through WITH something' means actually do it.

Patterngo through something

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I must scrutinise every document in this file.

Natural I need to go through all the paperwork.

'Go through' is the everyday verb for working through items one by one. 'Scrutinise every document' is heavy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • go through + items
    the mailthe filesthe listthe accounts

Don't confuse it

Different from 'go over', which can be a quick review.

Try it in Daily Speak →