Differences between go through and look through
Go through means to examine or search something thoroughly, while look through means to quickly browse or glance at something.
Meanings and Definitions: go through vs look through
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Look through
- 1Read quickly.
I LOOKED THROUGH the article.
Usage Examples: go through, look through in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go through
Example
I had to go through a lot of trouble to get this job.
Example
She goes through her emails every morning.
look through
Example
I always look through the newspaper in the morning.
Example
She looks through her emails every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go through
To look for something in a detailed and comprehensive manner.
Example
I need to search my room thoroughly to find my missing keys.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look through
To look casually at something without a specific purpose or intention.
Example
I like to browse through bookstores on weekends to discover new authors.
To quickly look over something to get a general idea of its contents.
Example
I need to scan this report before the meeting to refresh my memory.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “look”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in go through vs look through: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go through or look through?
Both go through and look through are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, look through is more common in casual situations where a quick glance is sufficient, such as looking through a magazine or browsing a website. Go through is used when a more thorough examination is required, such as going through a contract or searching for a lost item.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go through and look through
Both go through and look through are informal phrases that 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 through and look through
The tone of go through and look through can differ based on context. Go through often carries a serious or determined tone when related to examining or searching, while look through typically has a more casual and relaxed tone, especially when referring to browsing or glancing at something.
