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go through

A2 neutral inseparable transitive

To experience something difficult, examine something carefully, or consume a supply of something.

In plain English

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

What does "go through" mean?

4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

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.
inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To examine or search something carefully and methodically.

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

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."

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."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To pass from one side of something to the other.

Actually means

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

Usage tip

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.

Words that pair with "go through"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

phase ordeal process checklist money deal

How to conjugate "go through"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "go through" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "go through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.