Across vs Through: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about when to use “across” and when to use “through”? Fear not, for we have the answers you seek. Both words can be used to describe movement from one side of something to the other, but they have distinct differences.

Across is the proper word to use when referring to movement from one side of an area, surface, or object to the other. It implies a horizontal movement, as if you are moving over the top of something. Through, on the other hand, is used when referring to movement from one end of an enclosed space to the other. It implies a vertical or horizontal movement within something.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of when to use each one.

Define Across

Across is a preposition that indicates movement from one side to the other side of something. It refers to the position of an object or person on the opposite side of a surface or area. The word ‘across’ can also be used to describe the distance between two points that are situated on opposite sides of an object or space.

For example:

• The cat walked across the street.
• She spread the butter across the bread.
• The bridge spans across the river.

Define Through

Through is a preposition that indicates movement from one end of an object, place, or space to the other end. It refers to the position of an object or person that has passed from one side of a surface or area to the other side. The word ‘through’ can also be used to describe the process of going from one end of something to the other end.

For example:

• The car drove through the tunnel.
• He looked through the window.
• The water flowed through the pipe.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in how the sentence is understood. The words “across” and “through” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and uses. Here’s how to use them properly.

How To Use “Across” In A Sentence

“Across” is used to describe movement from one side of something to the other. It can also be used to describe the position of something relative to another object.

Examples:

• She walked across the street to get to the store.
• The bridge spans across the river.
• The book is lying across the table.

When using “across” in a sentence, make sure that the movement or position is from one side to the other. It should not be used to describe movement within something.

How To Use “Through” In A Sentence

“Through” is used to describe movement within something or the process of completing something. It can also be used to describe something that is entering and exiting something else.

Examples:

• She walked through the park to get to the other side.
• The needle went through the fabric.
• He worked through the night to finish the project.

When using “through” in a sentence, make sure that the movement or process is within something. It should not be used to describe movement from one side to the other.

More Examples Of Across & Through Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between the words “across” and “through”, it’s helpful to see them used in context. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Across” In A Sentence

• The dog ran across the field to chase the ball.
• She walked across the stage to receive her diploma.
• He swam across the lake to reach the other side.
• The message was sent across the internet to millions of people.
• They traveled across the country to see the Grand Canyon.
• The news spread quickly across the small town.
• She read the same book across different genres.
• The bridge spans across the river.
• He slid the letter across the table to her.
• The plane flew across the ocean to reach Europe.

Examples Of Using “Through” In A Sentence

• The hiker walked through the forest to reach the summit.
• She sifted through the papers to find the important document.
• He drove through the tunnel to get to the other side of the mountain.
• The water flowed through the pipes and into the house.
• She read through the entire novel in one sitting.
• The ball went through the window and shattered it.
• He pushed through the crowd to get to the front of the stage.
• The needle went through the fabric easily.
• She looked through the telescope to see the stars.
• The car drove through the puddle and splashed water everywhere.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words ‘across’ and ‘through’, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using ‘Across’ Instead Of ‘Through’

One common mistake is using ‘across’ when ‘through’ should be used. For example, saying “I walked across the park” instead of “I walked through the park”. The word ‘across’ implies movement from one side to another, while ‘through’ implies movement from one end to the other while being surrounded by something.

Using ‘Through’ Instead Of ‘Across’

Another common mistake is using ‘through’ when ‘across’ should be used. For example, saying “I swam through the river” instead of “I swam across the river”. The word ‘through’ implies movement within something, while ‘across’ implies movement from one side to another.

Using ‘Across’ Or ‘Through’ Inappropriately

It’s also important to avoid using ‘across’ or ‘through’ inappropriately. For example, saying “I drove through the supermarket” instead of “I drove across the parking lot of the supermarket”. The word ‘through’ implies movement within something, while ‘across’ implies movement from one side to another.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between ‘across’ and ‘through’. Consider the context and intended meaning before choosing which word to use. Additionally, it’s always helpful to proofread and double-check your writing to ensure that you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “across” and “through,” context is key. Both words can be used to describe movement from one side to another, but the specific connotations and implications of each can vary depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following scenarios:

• Navigating a City: When giving directions to someone trying to navigate a city, you might say “Walk across the street and turn left at the corner.” Here, “across” implies a more straightforward, direct path.
• Exploring a Forest: If you’re exploring a forest and come across a stream, you might say “Let’s go through the stream to get to the other side.” In this case, “through” implies a more immersive, adventurous experience.
• Completing a Task: When talking about completing a task, you might say “I need to get through this pile of paperwork by the end of the day.” Here, “through” implies a sense of effort and perseverance.
• Crossing a Border: If you’re crossing a border between two countries, you might say “We need to go across the border to get to our destination.” In this case, “across” implies a more formal, official process.

These examples demonstrate how the choice between “across” and “through” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and how they might affect the way your message is received.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using across and through are quite straightforward, there are a few exceptions that are worth noting. These exceptions can be somewhat tricky, but understanding them can help to clarify the proper usage of these two words.

Exceptions For Across

One exception for using across is when it is used to indicate a position that is not in a straight line. For example:

• The bird flew across the sky in a zigzag pattern.
• The river flowed across the valley and into the sea.

In these cases, across is used to convey a sense of movement or position that is not linear.

Exceptions For Through

One exception for using through is when it is used to indicate a process or method of achieving something. For example:

• The company worked through the night to finish the project on time.
• The therapist helped her patient work through his anxiety issues.

In these cases, through is used to convey a sense of progress or accomplishment that is achieved through a specific process or method.

Another exception for using through is when it is used to indicate a means of transportation. For example:

• We drove through the countryside, enjoying the scenery.
• The train traveled through the tunnel and emerged on the other side.

In these cases, through is used to convey a sense of movement or transportation that involves passing through a particular location or structure.

By understanding these exceptions to the rules for using across and through, you can use these words with greater precision and clarity in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Learning the proper use of words such as “across” and “through” can be challenging, but practice exercises can help improve your understanding and mastery of these words. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your usage of “across” and “through” in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word:

1. The cat walked __________ the street.
2. The plane flew __________ the clouds.
3. The hiker walked __________ the mountain.
4. The river flowed __________ the valley.

Answers:

1. across
2. through
3. across
4. through

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. The ball rolled __________ the field.
   • a) across
   • b) through
2. The car drove __________ the tunnel.
   • a) across
   • b) through
3. The letter was sent __________ the mail.
   • a) across
   • b) through

Answers:

1. a) across
2. b) through
3. b) through

These practice exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of “across” and “through” in sentences. By practicing regularly, you can become more confident and proficient in your use of these words.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “across” and “through,” it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that are important to understand.

Firstly, “across” is used to indicate movement from one side to another, while “through” implies movement from one end to another. Secondly, “across” is used to describe a surface-level movement, while “through” is used to describe a deeper, more penetrating movement.

It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. Remember to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between “across” and “through.”

To continue improving your grammar and language use, consider reading more about other commonly confused words and how to use them correctly. Practice using them in your writing and speaking to build your confidence and skill.