make my way through

USAGE SUMMARY

"make my way through" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to navigate or progress through a difficult or challenging situation or obstacle. Example: "Despite the heavy traffic, I managed to make my way through and arrive at the airport on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I didn't have to make my way through it; it made its way through me.

The New Yorker

I gingerly make my way through the undergrowth, almond, banana and lime trees blocking the sky.

The Guardian - Travel

I make my way through the forest and emerge at the ski resort at the top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could make my way through a French newspaper, but conversation was out of the question.

The New York Times - Arts

Suffice to say that it took me the better part of the evening to make my way through the introduction.

The New Yorker

But today I can't get a look, so I will make my way through the day using other sources.

The New York Times

With the help of Belton, I picked the particular faulty door which I would make my way through.

The Guardian - Tech

I wasn't directed so much as given a series of props to make my way through, like an obstacle course.

The New Yorker

As I load the stuff on a cart or three and then try and make my way through the airport, people actually do point and stare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm still making my way through the crap".

The Guardian - Books

"As I made my way through the summer and a job I really hated, I chanted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make my way through" to describe navigating a physical obstacle or a complex situation, implying effort and determination.

Common error

Ensure the tense of "make my way through" aligns with the surrounding context. Avoid shifting tenses without a clear reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make my way through" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of navigating or progressing, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

100%

Formal & Business

100%

Science

100%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make my way through" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of navigating or progressing through something, often with effort or difficulty. Ludwig confirms its correctness and commonality. It's suitable for various contexts, from physical obstacles to emotional challenges, and maintains a neutral tone. Related phrases like "navigate through" or "work through" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure consistent tense and be mindful of the intended meaning to effectively convey the sense of effort and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

navigate through

Focuses on the act of directing oneself carefully, often implying a planned route.

maneuver through

Highlights skillful or strategic movement, especially in tight spaces or complex situations.

work through

Implies effort and persistence in dealing with a problem or task.

push through

Suggests overcoming resistance or obstacles with force.

negotiate through

Focuses on the need for skill and diplomacy in overcoming obstacles.

progress through

Emphasizes forward movement and advancement in a systematic way.

advance through

Implies a deliberate and methodical progression forward.

thread my way through

Suggests moving carefully and delicately, avoiding obstacles.

find my path through

Adds an element of discovery and personal agency to the act of navigating.

move through

A more general term for passing from one point to another.

FAQs

How can I use "make my way through" in a sentence?

Use "make my way through" to describe navigating a physical space, such as "I had to make my way through the crowded street" or a metaphorical challenge, such as "She had to make her way through a difficult legal process".

What phrases are similar to "make my way through"?

Alternatives include "navigate through", "work through", or "push through" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make my way through" formal or informal?

"Make my way through" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can I use "make my way through" to describe emotional challenges?

Yes, "make my way through" can be used metaphorically to describe dealing with emotional or psychological challenges, such as "I'm trying to make my way through my grief".