1 B1 neutral
To read a text quickly, looking only at the main points and skipping details.
"She skimmed through the report during her lunch break to get the key findings."
inseparable
skim through
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To read or look through something quickly without paying attention to every detail.
In plain English
To look at something very fast, only reading the important parts.
What does "skim through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To move quickly through a place or experience without pausing.
"The presenter skimmed through the early slides so they could spend more time on the conclusions."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To skim (glide lightly) all the way through something.
Actually means
To look at something very fast, only reading the important parts.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. Implies deliberate speed rather than laziness. Often used when someone needs a general idea of content without a thorough reading.
Words that pair with "skim through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
report article book emails notes document
How to conjugate "skim through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
skim through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
skims through
he/she/it
Past simple
skimed through
yesterday
Past participle
skimed through
have + pp
-ing form
skiming through
continuous
Hear "skim through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "skim through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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