through a window

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through a window" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of looking, passing, or observing something via a window. Example: "She watched the rain fall through a window, lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They hoisted it up through a window".

The New York Times

He had to punch through a window".

The New York Times

She had escaped through a window.

The Guardian

Stan throws a vase through a window.

The Guardian - Film

Burton was thrown through a window and was killed instantly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Upstairs, a supermarket trolley is visible through a window.

Independent

He escaped through a window and hid in a shop.

The New York Times

Crashing through a window, she barely escapes with her life.

The New Yorker

No, It was through a window underneath the water.

The New York Times

The interior, glimpsed through a window, was in better shape.

The New York Times

One bulky white bag hung partly through a window.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through a window" to clearly indicate that something is being seen, passed, or experienced by means of a window. For instance, "The sun streamed through a window, warming the room."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "through", a preposition indicating passage or means, with "threw", the past tense of the verb "throw". Incorrect: "He threw a glance through a window." Correct: "He cast a glance "through a window"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through a window" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how or where an action is performed. It indicates the means or medium through which something is seen, passed, or experienced. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate this across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Huffington Post

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "through a window" is a versatile and common prepositional phrase used to describe how something is viewed, passed, or experienced via a window. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "by the window" or "from the window" exist, they convey slightly different nuances. When using "through a window", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of seeing, passing, or experiencing something by means of the window. Pay attention not to confound it with the past tense of the verb "throw", which is a common writing error. Ultimately, mastering this phrase will improve the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seen through the window

Highlights the act of viewing something through a window.

via the window

Emphasizes using the window as a means of access or observation.

visible through the window

Emphasizes the characteristic of something being capable of being seen.

from the window

Highlights the window as the vantage point or origin.

peering through the window

Conveys a sense of curiosity or secrecy in observation.

by the window

Indicates proximity to the window, rather than passage or viewing.

looking out the window

Specifically describes the act of observing from inside a building.

at the window

Focuses on the location being the window itself.

breaking through the window

Implies a forceful or destructive passage.

past the window

Indicates movement or observation extending beyond the window's location.

FAQs

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

Use "through a window" to describe actions like seeing something, passing an object, or escaping. For example: "She saw the garden "through a window"" or "He escaped "through a window"".

What are some alternatives to "through a window"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "by the window", "from the window", or "via the window" to add variety to your writing.

Is it correct to say "from the window" instead of "through a window"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Through a window" emphasizes passage or seeing by means of the window, while "from the window" emphasizes the window as a vantage point.

When should I use "peering through the window" instead of "through a window"?

"Peering "through the window"" implies a more intent or secretive observation compared to simply seeing something ""through a window"". Use it when you want to emphasize the act of looking closely or cautiously.