What are the definitions of “wade through”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Get to the end of something with difficulty.
It took me ages to WADE THROUGH the book.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wade through is to get to the end of something with difficulty, often referring to a task or activity that requires a lot of time, effort, or concentration.

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

Root Verb	wade through
Third Person Singular Present	wades through
Present Participle	wading through
Simple Past	waded through
Past Participle	waded through

Example

I need to wade through all these documents before the meeting.

Example

She wades through the long report every month.

Example

He is wading through the dense textbook for his exam.

Example

Yesterday, they waded through the difficult legal paperwork.

Example

The students had waded through the challenging material by the end of the semester.

What kind of phrasal verb is “wade 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.)

Transitive verb

“wade through” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I waded through the long novel.

Example

She waded through the pile of paperwork.

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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

“wade 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 waded through the long novel.

Example

She waded through the pile of paperwork.

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

Wade through water

To walk through water that is not very deep, often with difficulty due to the resistance of the water.

Example

The children waded through the shallow stream, laughing and splashing each other.

Wade through snow

To walk through deep snow, often with difficulty due to the depth and resistance of the snow.

Example

After the snowstorm, we had to wade through the snow to reach our car.

Wade through a crowd

To move through a crowded area with difficulty, often due to the number of people or obstacles.

Example

He waded through the busy market, searching for the perfect gift.

Good things to know

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

Wade 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, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

struggle through
plow through
slog through
trudge through
labor through
work through
grapple with

Antonyms

breeze through
sail through
easily complete
quickly finish
effortlessly accomplish