Through vs. Throughout — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Through" generally refers to motion from one end or side of something to another. "Throughout" signifies that an action or state is constant or pervasive in every part of a particular space or duration.
Difference Between Through and Throughout
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Key Differences
"Through" is often used to express a kind of movement or transition. For example, one might say, "I walked through the door," which means you moved from one side of the door to another. Conversely, "throughout" implies an action or state that is continuous or occurs in every part of a specified area or time. For instance, "It rained throughout the day" means that the rain was consistent during the entire day.
"Through" can also describe completion or the end point of an activity or process. For example, "I read the book through," emphasizes that you finished the book. "Throughout," on the other hand, can describe a persistent state or repetitive action over a period of time or area, as in "She worked diligently throughout her career."
From a grammatical standpoint, "through" and "throughout" are both prepositions. However, "through" can also function as an adverb, as in "The train went through." "Throughout" is used solely as a preposition. Their grammatical functions generally remain the same regardless of the sentence structure or the subject involved.
While both "through" and "throughout" imply some kind of extension, whether spatial or temporal, the scope and nature of that extension differ significantly. "Through" often relates to a transition or passage, whereas "throughout" suggests an ongoing state or action pervading a specified area or period.
Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Movement or transition
Ongoing state or action
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Grammatical Role
Preposition, sometimes adverb
Always a preposition
Temporal Use
Specific start and end point
Extended or constant over time
Spatial Use
Passage from one point to another
Pervading an entire area
Completion
Can indicate end or completion
Indicates ongoing state
Compare with Definitions
Through
In one side and out the opposite or another side of
Went through the tunnel.
Throughout
Throughout means in every part.
He searched throughout the house.
Through
Through implies a thorough action.
He sorted through the files.
Throughout
Throughout signifies during the entire time.
She stayed awake throughout the movie.
Through
Among or between; in the midst of
A walk through the flowers.
Throughout
Throughout can imply consistency.
It rained throughout the day.
Through
By way of
Climbed in through the window.
Throughout
In, to, through, or during every part of; all through
The road is kept open throughout the year.
Through
By the means or agency of
Bought the antique vase through a dealer.
Throughout
In or through all parts; everywhere
The material is flawed throughout.
Through
Into and out of the handling, care, processing, modification, or consideration of
Her application went through our office. Run the figures through the computer.
Throughout
During the entire time or extent
Though unsure how her speech would be received, she remained calm and professional throughout.
Through
Here and there in; around
A tour through France.
Throughout
In every part of; all through.
Through
From the beginning to the end of
Stayed up through the night.
Throughout
(obsolete) Completely through, right the way through.
Through
At or to the end of; done or finished with, especially successfully
We are through the initial testing period.
Throughout
In every part; everywhere.
Through
Up to and including
A play that runs through December.
A volume that covers A through D.
Throughout
During an entire period of time, the whole time.
Through
Past and without stopping for
Drove through a red light.
Throughout
Quite through; from one extremity to the other of; also, every part of; as, to search throughout the house.
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appearOf sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year.
Through
Because of; on account of
She succeeded through hard work. He declined the honor through modesty.
Throughout
In every part; as, the cloth was of a piece throughout.
Through
From one end or side to another or an opposite end or side
Opened the door and went through.
Throughout
From first to last;
The play was excellent end-to-end
Through
From beginning to end; completely
I read the article once through.
Throughout
Used to refer to cited works
Through
Throughout the whole extent or thickness; thoroughly
Warmed the leftovers clear through.
Got soaked through in the rain.
A letter that was shot through with the writer's personality.
Throughout
Throughout denotes pervasiveness.
The rumor spread throughout the school.
Through
Over the total distance; all the way
Drove through to their final destination.
Throughout
Throughout is always a preposition.
Throughout the years, he remained faithful.
Through
To a conclusion or an accomplishment
See a matter through.
Through
Allowing continuous passage; unobstructed
A through street.
Through
Affording transportation to a destination with few or no stops and no transfers
A through bus.
A through ticket.
Through
Continuing on a highway without exiting
Through traffic.
Through lanes.
Through
Passing or extending from one end, side, or surface to another
A through beam.
Through
Having finished; at completion
She was through with the project.
Through
Having no further concern, dealings, or connection
I'm through with him.
Through
Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up
That swimmer is through as an athlete.
Through
Doomed to death or destruction.
Through
From one side of an opening to the other.
I went through the window.
Through
Entering, then later leaving.
I drove through the town at top speed without looking left or right.
Through
Surrounded by (while moving).
We slogged through the mud for hours before turning back and giving up.
Through
By means of.
This team believes in winning through intimidation.
Through
In consequence of; as a result of.
Through
(North America) To (or up to) and including, with all intermediate values.
From 1945 through 1991;
The numbers 1 through 9;
Your membership is active through March 15, 2013
Through
Passing from one side of something to the other.
Interstate highways form a nationwide system of through roads.
Through
Finished; complete.
They were through with laying the subroof by noon.
Through
Without a future; done for.
After being implicated in the scandal, he was through as an executive in financial services.
Through
No longer interested; wearied or turned off by experience.
She was through with him.
Through
Proceeding from origin to destination without delay due to change of equipment.
The through flight through Memphis was the fastest.
Through
(association football) In possession of the ball beyond the last line of defence but not necessarily the goalkeeper; through on goal.
Through
From one side to the other by way of the interior.
The arrow went straight through.
Through
From one end to the other.
Others slept; he worked straight through.
She read the letter through.
Through
During a period of time; throughout
He worked through the night.
Through
To the end.
He said he would see it through.
Through
Completely.
Leave the yarn in the dye overnight so the color soaks through.
Through
Out into the open.
The American army broke through at Saint-Lô.
Through
A large slab of stone laid in a dry-stone wall from one side to the other; a perpend.
Through
(obsolete) A coffin, sarcophagus or tomb of stone; a large slab of stone laid on a tomb.
Through
From end to end of, or from side to side of; from one surface or limit of, to the opposite; into and out of at the opposite, or at another, point; as, to bore through a piece of timber, or through a board; a ball passes through the side of a ship.
Through
Between the sides or walls of; within; as, to pass through a door; to go through an avenue.
Through the gate of ivory he dismissedHis valiant offspring.
Through
By means of; by the agency of.
Through these hands this science has passed with great applause.
Material things are presented only through their senses.
Through
Over the whole surface or extent of; as, to ride through the country; to look through an account.
Through
Among or in the midst of; - used to denote passage; as, a fish swims through the water; the light glimmers through a thicket.
Through
From the beginning to the end of; to the end or conclusion of; as, through life; through the year.
Through
From one end or side to the other; as, to pierce a thing through.
Through
From beginning to end; as, to read a letter through.
Through
To the end; to a conclusion; to the ultimate purpose; as, to carry a project through.
Through
Going or extending through; going, extending, or serving from the beginning to the end; thorough; complete; as, a through line; a through ticket; a through train. Also, admitting of passage through; as, a through bridge.
Through
Having finished or arrived at completion;
Certain to make history before he's done
It's a done deed
After the treatment, the patient is through except for follow-up
Almost through with his studies
Through
Of a route or journey etc.; continuing without requiring stops or changes;
A through street
A through bus
Through traffic
Through
From one end or side to the other;
Jealousy pierced her through
Through
From beginning to end;
Read this book through
Through
Over the whole distance;
This bus goes through to New York
Through
To completion;
Think this through very carefully!
Through
In diameter;
This cylinder measures 15 inches through
Through
Throughout the entire extent;
Got soaked through in the rain
I'm frozen through
A letter shot through with the writer's personality
Knew him through and through
Boards rotten through and through
Through
Through means movement from one end to another.
He went through the tunnel.
Through
Through signifies completion.
She read the document through.
Through
Through can denote transparency.
You can see through the glass.
Through
Through can be used as an adverb.
The train passed through.
Common Curiosities
What does "throughout" mean?
"Throughout" signifies that an action or state is continuous in every part of a space or duration.
Can "through" indicate transparency?
Yes, "through" can denote that something is transparent or clear.
Is "through" always a preposition?
No, "through" can also function as an adverb.
Can "through" indicate completion?
Yes, "through" can signify the end point or completion of an activity.
What's the opposite of "through"?
The opposite of "through" could be "blocked" or "obstructed."
What does "through" generally mean?
"Through" usually refers to movement from one end or side to another.
Is "throughout" an adverb?
No, "throughout" is solely used as a preposition.
Can "through" be used in time-related contexts?
Yes, though it often marks a specific start and end point.
Does "throughout" suggest completion?
No, "throughout" usually indicates an ongoing state or action.
Can "through" describe an in-depth action?
Yes, as in "He sorted through the files."
Are "through" and "throughout" interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Does "throughout" imply consistency?
Yes, "throughout" can imply a consistent state or action over time or area.
What's the opposite of "throughout"?
The opposite of "throughout" could be "nowhere" or "never."
Is "throughout" used for spatial contexts?
Yes, "throughout" can indicate that something pervades an entire area.
Can "throughout" be used for historical periods?
Yes, as in "Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
