what she went through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what she went through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's experiences, challenges, or hardships that they have faced in the past. Example: "After hearing about what she went through during the difficult times, I have a newfound respect for her resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I think that nobody deserves what she went through," he replied.

The Guardian - Tech

What she went through and then to finish the Great North Run.

The Guardian - Sport

"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her and what she went through," Mrs. Sevchuk said.

The New York Times - Health

Everyone knew what she went through; for her to come back and win Olympic gold — her third successive championship win — was beyond incredible.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't imagine what she went through," he said.

Huffington Post

They got to be part of the movie, which they loved and it was good for them to see what she went through, how the treatment was done and that she wasn't harmed in any way and was safe".

BMJ Open

Look what she went through.

The Guardian - Film

She shudders at what she went through.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Danielle Mitterrand stayed with a husband who was two-timing her with a whole other family, but some of what she went through showed on her face.

Independent

"She certainly stood out for her maturity and resilience despite what she went through.

The Guardian

The shot came to stand for what she went through in the shadows of the American military prison system, away from the public eye.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what she went through" to evoke empathy and understanding for someone's past experiences, especially when highlighting resilience or overcoming adversity.

Common error

While widely understood, "what she went through" can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise language detailing specific experiences for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what she went through" functions as a noun clause, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a specific set of experiences or hardships that a person has endured. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use in conveying empathy and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what she went through" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to refer to someone's experiences, particularly those involving hardship or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely understood and appropriate in various contexts, although it can be perceived as slightly informal in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, serving to create empathy and understanding for the individual being discussed. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the tone and level of formality are appropriate. While similar phrases exist, "what she went through" carries a unique emotional weight that emphasizes the challenges overcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ordeal she endured

Focuses specifically on a difficult or painful experience.

the hardship she faced

Highlights the challenging or difficult circumstances she encountered.

the experiences she had

A more general term referring to all the events and situations she lived through.

the challenges she overcame

Emphasizes her success in dealing with difficulties.

the trials she suffered

Focuses on the negative or painful aspects of her experiences.

the journey she undertook

Emphasizes the process and progression of her experiences.

the path she trod

A more figurative way of describing her life's experiences.

the battles she fought

Highlights the struggles and conflicts she faced.

the circumstances she navigated

Emphasizes her ability to maneuver through difficult situations.

her life story

A broad term referring to the totality of her experiences and history.

FAQs

How can I use "what she went through" in a sentence?

You can use "what she went through" to refer to a person's experiences, hardships, or challenges. For example, "After hearing about "what she went through", I have a newfound respect for her."

What are some alternatives to "what she went through"?

Some alternatives include "the ordeal she endured", "the hardship she faced", or "the experiences she had". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "what she went through" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While widely understood, it may be better to use more specific language in formal or academic writing. See also writing guidance above.

Which is more impactful, "what she went through" or "her experiences"?

"What she went through" often carries more emotional weight, implying hardship or significant experiences. "Her experiences" is a more neutral and general term.