Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a tank through
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a tank through" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
Without additional context, it is difficult to determine when it could be used, as it appears to be incomplete or improperly constructed. Example: "The soldiers moved a tank through the narrow streets, navigating carefully."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
22 human-written examples
Die Another Day was nicknamed Buy Another Day because of the unprecedented number of advertising partners involved, and some of the product placement in GoldenEye was big enough to drive a tank through, as Pierce Brosnan demonstrated in the infamous chase scene where he crashes through a screen-filling Perrier truck.
News & Media
2. Driving a tank through St Petersburg.
News & Media
They sucked oxygen from a tank through wooden mouthpieces.
News & Media
Jason Statham drives a tank through a wall of Grand Central Terminal.
News & Media
A blind lodger looks forward to the class revolution that never came.Then a rich racketeering butcher barges like a tank through the household.
News & Media
VICTOR PONTA, the Romanian prime minister driving a tank through the constitution (see previous article), could learn from Viktor Orban, his Hungarian counterpart and near namesake.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
Bryant allegedly chased her, broke the neighbor's car windows, threw a propane tank through a window in the house, and disarmed a sword-wielding resident inside, Click Orlando reports.
News & Media
Its people cower in apartments and buildings, never knowing when a bomb will crash through the roof or a tank shell through the wall.
News & Media
In the meantime, when a canister needs refilling, it is inserted into Jadoo's FillOne™ station, which hooks up to a hydrogen tank through a hose.
Israeli assault sends a tank shell through Arafat's bathroom.
News & Media
A tank smashing through a line of parked buses in Tiananmen Square.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing forceful movement or impact, consider using more descriptive verbs than "drove" or "smashing" to enhance the imagery and impact of your writing.
Common error
Avoid solely relying on "tank" as a metaphor without specifying the specific characteristic you wish to emphasize (e.g., power, destruction, momentum). Provide a more complete image to increase clarity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a tank through" functions as a prepositional phrase, often describing a forceful or destructive action. While technically incomplete as a sentence, it implies movement characterized by power and overcoming obstacles, as suggested by examples in Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
54%
Wiki
15%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Reference
5%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while "a tank through" is understandable as a prepositional phrase evoking forceful movement, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. Though common in news and media to describe overwhelming force or impact, rephrasing with more complete sentences offers greater clarity and precision. Consider alternatives such as "driving a tank through" or more descriptive verbs to better convey the intended meaning. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase's usage, but also highlight the value of grammatical correctness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
piercing through like a tank
Emphasizes the forceful and penetrating nature of the action, likening it to the power of a tank.
smashing through like a tank
Focuses on the destructive impact of the movement, similar to a tank's destructive capabilities.
forcing a passage through
Highlights the effort and resistance involved in creating an opening or path.
breaking through the barrier
Suggests overcoming an obstacle, whether physical or metaphorical.
crashing through the obstacle
Indicates a forceful and potentially chaotic movement through something.
driving through the opposition
Implies overcoming resistance with force, particularly in a competitive or combative context.
plowing through the resistance
Suggests a steady and determined movement despite obstacles.
ramming through the defense
Conveys a forceful impact and penetration of a defensive structure.
bursting through the facade
Implies revealing something hidden or breaking through a deceptive appearance.
rupturing the surface
Highlights the forceful breaking of a surface or boundary.
FAQs
How can I use "a tank through" in a sentence?
While grammatically awkward, the phrase can be used to describe something moving forcefully and destructively. Consider alternatives like "a vehicle through" or specify the action, such as "driving a tank through".
What's a better way to phrase "a tank through"?
Alternatives depend on the context. To emphasize force, try "smashing through like a tank". To convey overcoming resistance, consider "breaking through the barrier".
Is it correct to say "a tank through"?
Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically questionable. It lacks a clear verb and direct object. While understandable, it's best to rephrase for clarity.
What does it mean to say something went "a tank through"?
It means something moved with immense force, overcoming any resistance in its path, similar to a tank's ability to smash through obstacles. However, rewording the sentence ensures it is grammatically accurate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested