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go through

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To experience something hard, check things one by one, or use up a lot of something.

Literal meaning: To pass from one side of something to the other.

Meanings

1 A2 idiomatic neutral

To experience a difficult or unpleasant situation.

"She went through a very tough time after losing her job."

"We've been going through some things as a family."

— Commonly attributed in celebrity interviews; widely used phrase in journalism and public discourse.
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To examine or search something carefully and methodically.

"The customs officer went through every bag in the suitcase."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To use up a large amount of something, especially money or supplies.

"We went through three bottles of wine at dinner last night."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

For a deal, law, or proposal to be officially approved or accepted.

"The merger finally went through after months of negotiations."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most versatile and common phrasal verbs in English. The emotional sense ('go through a hard time') is very frequent in everyday speech. Also used to describe a document or agreement being officially accepted.

Commonly used with

phase ordeal process checklist money deal

Forms

Base
go through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes through
he/she/it
Past simple
went through
yesterday
Past participle
gone through
have + pp
-ing form
going through
continuous

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