we passed through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we passed through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to describe an event or situation in which someone has gone through a specific area or experienced something. For example, "We passed through the dense jungle and eventually arrived at the beach.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Each town we passed through had a Dairy Queen, with customers lined up, even in winter.

The New Yorker

We passed through a series of campsites.

The New York Times - Travel

We passed through the exit lounge.

The New Yorker

We passed through the village of Anab.

The New Yorker

We passed through historic Gentilly.

The New York Times - Sports

Yesterday we passed through a school of small dolphins.

The New York Times

He opened every door as we passed through the set.

The New Yorker

After we passed through the house, I guided him onto the back porch.

The New York Times

On our way out of the village, we passed through a deserted bazaar.

The New Yorker

Two days later we passed through the enchanting village of Khumjung, below the sacred peak Khumbila.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the little towns we pass through are quiet, unaffected by the histrionics of the capital.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we passed through" to describe a physical movement from one location to another, or to indicate a brief experience of a place or event. It's particularly effective when the passing is quick or not the main focus of the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "passed through" when you mean to describe a thorough or detailed experience. "Went through" is more appropriate when emphasizing the process or difficulty of an experience, while "passed through" simply notes the movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we passed through" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or progression from one point to another. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a completed action of traversing a space or situation, such as "We passed through the village of Anab."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we passed through" serves as a versatile tool for describing movement or progression, primarily used in narrative contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings, it's essential to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "we went through", which implies a more thorough or challenging experience. For effective writing, remember to use "we passed through" to indicate a simple passage from one point to another. Common alternatives includes "we moved through" and "we traversed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we moved through

A more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing passage.

we went through

Can imply experiencing a process or ordeal, not just physical passage.

we traversed

Emphasizes the act of traveling across something, often suggesting a more challenging journey.

we crossed

Focuses on going from one side to another.

we journeyed through

Adds a sense of travel and exploration.

we advanced through

Suggests progress or forward movement through an area.

we proceeded through

Suggests a more orderly or formal movement.

we cut through

Implies taking a shortcut or direct route.

we navigated

Highlights the skill or effort required to move through something.

we transited

Implies a brief or temporary passage.

FAQs

How can I use "we passed through" in a sentence?

Use "we passed through" to indicate a journey or movement from one point to another. For example, "We passed through several small towns on our road trip" or "We passed through a difficult phase in our relationship".

What are some alternatives to "we passed through"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we moved through", "we traversed", or "we went through". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize physical movement, a challenging journey, or a detailed experience.

Is it correct to say "we passed through" or should I use another tense?

The past tense "we passed through" is correct for describing an event that has already occurred. Use "we pass through" for present tense or habitual actions, and "we will pass through" for future events.

What's the difference between "we passed through" and "we went through"?

"We passed through" typically refers to a physical movement or brief experience, while "we went through" often implies a more thorough or difficult experience. For example, "We passed through the park" versus "We went through a lot together".