Differences between go past and go through
Go past means to move beyond or pass by something, while go through means to examine or search something thoroughly.
Meanings and Definitions: go past vs go through
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Go past
- 1Pass without stopping.
She WENT PAST me without saying hello.
Go through
- 1Experience.
You wouldn't believe what I WENT THROUGH when I was ill!
- 2Read again.
I WENT THROUGH my notes before the exam.
- 3Examine, search.
I WENT THROUGH my desk looking for the letter.
- 4Do something in a certain way or following certain procedures.
You must GO THROUGH the proper channels to get the approval.
- 5Explain.
He WENT THROUGH his ideas twice but I couldn't really understand them.
- 6Be approved formally or sanctioned.
My divorce WENT THROUGH last week.
- 7Enter.
They said I could GO THROUGH the exam room.
- 8Consume or spend.
We WENT THROUGH a fortune on our holiday.
- 9Perform or carry something out.
I WENT THROUGH my work in a daze after I heard the news.
Usage Examples: go past, go through in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go past
Example
Every morning, I go past the bakery on my way to work.
Example
The bus goes past my house every hour.
go through
Example
I had to go through a lot of trouble to get this job.
Example
She goes through her emails every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go past
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go through
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in go past vs go through: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go past or go through?
In daily conversation, people use go past more often than go through. This is because go past is used for more routine activities such as walking or driving past something. Go through is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about examining or searching something. So, while both phrases are used, go past is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go past and go through
Go past and go through are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go past and go through
The tone of go past and go through can differ based on context. Go past often carries a neutral or indifferent tone when related to moving beyond something, while go through typically has a more serious or investigative tone, especially when referring to examining or searching something.