What does the phrasal verb “pass through” mean?

What are the definitions of “pass through”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Visit a place without stopping or only stopping briefly.

  I didn't see much as I was only PASSING THROUGH the town.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass through”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass through is to visit a place without stopping or only stopping briefly. It means that you are not staying in that place for a long time, just moving through it.

What are the different verb forms of “pass through”?

Root Verb	pass through
Third Person Singular Present	passes through
Present Participle	passing through
Simple Past	passed through
Past Participle	passed through

Example

We will pass through the city on our way to the beach.

Example

She passes through the park every morning on her way to work.

Example

They are passing through the village on their way to the mountains.

Example

Yesterday, we passed through a beautiful countryside.

Example

He had passed through many cities during his journey.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pass through”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“pass through” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

We passed through the town quickly.

Example

The train passed through the station without stopping.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“pass through” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

We passed through the town quickly.

Example

The train passed through the station without stopping.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass through”?

Pass through customs

The process of going through the necessary checks and inspections when entering or leaving a country.

Example

We had to pass through customs before boarding our flight.

Pass through a phase

To experience a temporary period or stage in one's life.

Example

Teenagers often pass through a rebellious phase.

Pass through a filter

To move a substance through a device that removes unwanted particles.

Example

The water passes through a filter before it reaches our taps.

Good things to know

Does “pass through” have an informal or formal tone?

Pass through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pass through”?

Synonyms

• transit
• traverse
• cross
• travel through
• move through
• go through

Antonyms

• stay
• remain
• settle
• linger
• dwell
• reside