pass through

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of something being moved from one place to another, often with the implication that it must go through an intervening area. For example: "The train passed through the mountains on its way to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They just pass through".

The New York Times

Thousands pass through daily.

The New York Times - Arts

A few harder cases pass through, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

They always pass through, though, during migration.

The New York Times

Yungen & Bonkaz pass through!

BBC

Celebrities occasionally pass through as well.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Certain Pass-Through Businesses.

Columbia University

(5 Pricing pass-through.

Cornell University

Call them "pass-through facilities".

The New York Times

Mortgage pass-through obligations?

Forbes

Pass-Through Entities.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical journey or passage, ensure the subject actively "passes through" the specified location. For example, "The river passes through the valley" conveys the river's path.

Common error

Avoid using "pass through" when a more specific verb, such as "cross", "enter", or "undergo", more accurately describes the action. "Pass through" implies a transient movement rather than a complete transformation or deep engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass through" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating movement or transition. Ludwig shows many examples where the phrase is used to describe the action of something moving from one point to another, often implying a physical or metaphorical journey.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass through" is a versatile verb phrase indicating movement or transition, confirmed as correct and usable by Ludwig AI. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, its primary function is to describe the act of something moving from one point to another, whether physically or metaphorically. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. While "go through" and "move through" offer similar meanings, "pass through" often emphasizes a transient or non-interactive movement. When writing, ensure the action is a genuine movement, and avoid using it when a more precise verb would better capture the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go through

Indicates experiencing or undergoing something, often with a sense of difficulty or process.

move through

Emphasizes the act of progressing or advancing within a space or system.

transit

Implies a more formal or official passage, often used in the context of transportation or logistics.

filter through

Suggests that something is being selectively allowed to proceed, often implying a separation or purification process.

permeate

Indicates that something is gradually spreading or diffusing throughout an area or substance.

traverse

Implies crossing or traveling over something, often with a sense of exploration or challenge.

penetrate

Indicates entering or piercing through something, often with force or difficulty.

course through

Suggests that something is flowing or running through a channel or pathway.

make its way through

Highlights the effort or agency involved in navigating an obstacle or challenge.

be processed

Focuses on the action of being handled or treated by a system.

FAQs

How can I use "pass through" in a sentence?

The phrase "pass through" can be used to indicate movement, filtering, or transition. For example, "The light "passed through" the window" or "All data must "pass through" security".

What are some alternatives to "pass through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go through", "move through", or "filter through" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "passed through" or "pass through"?

Both "passed through" and "pass through" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Pass through" is present tense, while "passed through" is past tense. For example, "They pass through the city every year" vs. "They "passed through" the city last week".

What is the difference between "pass through" and "go through"?

"Pass through" typically indicates a physical movement or transition from one point to another, while "go through" often implies experiencing or undergoing a process. For instance, "The tunnel "passes through" the mountain" (physical movement) vs. "They "go through" a lot of challenges" (experiencing a process).