expression

go through

to experience; to examine carefully

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to look at or examine something carefully

2. (verb) to experience or endure something difficult

3. (verb) to review or discuss something

4. (verb) to use up or consume something completely

Examples

1. Can you go through these documents and check them for mistakes?
2. She went through a difficult period after losing her job.
3. Let's go through the plan one more time before we start.

How to use go through

Go through is a versatile phrasal verb with distinct senses depending on context. When meaning 'examine,' it suggests careful and thorough inspection; when 'endure,' it conveys experiencing hardship or adversity over time; when 'consume,' it indicates using something up completely. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, though the sense of 'endure' often carries emotional weight.

Common phrases

go through a process
go through difficulties
go through documents
go through one's belongings
go through with something
go through the motions

Synonyms

examine · review · endure · consume · experience

Word family

going through · went through · gone through

A common mistake

Learners sometimes fail to recognize that go through requires an object and cannot stand alone in most senses, and may confuse it with similar verbs like go over or get through without recognizing subtle differences in connotation.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD