What are the definitions of “sit through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stay till the end of something dull.
I was bored and wanted to leave halfway through, but we SAT THROUGH the film.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit through is to stay until the end of something that is boring or uninteresting. It means that you remain in your seat and endure the entire event, even if you do not enjoy it.
What are the different verb forms of “sit through”?
| Root Verb | sit through |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits through |
| Present Participle | sitting through |
| Simple Past | sat through |
| Past Participle | sat through |
Example
I can't believe I sat through that entire lecture.
Example
She sits through long meetings at work every week.
Example
He is sitting through a boring presentation right now.
Example
We sat through the entire three-hour play.
Example
They have sat through many dull events together.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit through”?
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
“sit 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
I sat through the entire movie.
Example
She sat through the long speech.
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
“sit 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
I sat through the entire movie.
Example
She sat through the long speech.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit through”?
Stay for the entire duration of a performance, such as a play or concert, even if it is not enjoyable.
Example
We sat through the disappointing concert, hoping it would get better.
Good things to know
Does “sit through” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit 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 discussing work meetings or academic lectures.
