Across vs. Through — What's the Difference?

Reaching or referring to the opposite side.

Enclosed or surrounded by something while moving.

Extending from one side to another.

A path that involves penetrating or being immersed.

Path or direction that is visible or clear.

Entering one side and coming out from the other.

Movement that involves passing over without depth.

Movement via or within a medium or channel.

Moving from one side to another on a surface.

Progressing despite obstacles or challenges.

On, at, or from the other side of

In one side and out the opposite or another side of

So as to cross; through

Among or between; in the midst of

From one side of to the other

By way of

Into contact with

By the means or agency of

From one side to the other

Into and out of the handling, care, processing, modification, or consideration of

On or to the opposite side

Here and there in; around

Crosswise; crossed.

From the beginning to the end of

In such a manner as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or successful

At or to the end of; done or finished with, especially successfully

Being in a crossed position

Up to and including

To, toward, or from the far side of (something that lies between two points of interest).

Past and without stopping for

On the opposite side of (something that lies between two points of interest).

Because of; on account of

Across from: on the opposite side, relative to something that lies between, from (a point of interest).

From one end or side to another or an opposite end or side

From one side to the other within (a space being traversed).

From beginning to end; completely

At or near the far end of (a space).

Throughout the whole extent or thickness; thoroughly

Spanning.

Over the total distance; all the way

Throughout.

To a conclusion or an accomplishment

So as to intersect or pass through or over at an angle.

Allowing continuous passage; unobstructed

In possession of full, up-to-date information about; abreast of.

Affording transportation to a destination with few or no stops and no transfers

From one side to the other.

Continuing on a highway without exiting

On the other side.

Passing or extending from one end, side, or surface to another

In a particular direction.

Having finished; at completion

(crosswords) Horizontally.

Having no further concern, dealings, or connection

A word that runs horizontally in the completed puzzle grid or its associated clue.

Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up

From side to side; athwart; crosswise, or in a direction opposed to the length; quite over; as, a bridge laid across a river.

Doomed to death or destruction.

From side to side; crosswise; as, with arms folded across.

From one side of an opening to the other.

Obliquely; athwart; amiss; awry.

Entering, then later leaving.

Placed crosswise;

Surrounded by (while moving).

To the opposite side;

By means of.

In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;

In consequence of; as a result of.

Transversely;

(North America) To (or up to) and including, with all intermediate values.

Passing from one side of something to the other.

Finished; complete.

Without a future; done for.

No longer interested; wearied or turned off by experience.

Proceeding from origin to destination without delay due to change of equipment.

(association football) In possession of the ball beyond the last line of defence but not necessarily the goalkeeper; through on goal.

From one side to the other by way of the interior.

From one end to the other.

During a period of time; throughout

To the end.

Completely.

Out into the open.

A large slab of stone laid in a dry-stone wall from one side to the other; a perpend.

(obsolete) A coffin, sarcophagus or tomb of stone; a large slab of stone laid on a tomb.

From end to end of, or from side to side of; from one surface or limit of, to the opposite; into and out of at the opposite, or at another, point; as, to bore through a piece of timber, or through a board; a ball passes through the side of a ship.

Between the sides or walls of; within; as, to pass through a door; to go through an avenue.

By means of; by the agency of.

Over the whole surface or extent of; as, to ride through the country; to look through an account.

Among or in the midst of; - used to denote passage; as, a fish swims through the water; the light glimmers through a thicket.

From the beginning to the end of; to the end or conclusion of; as, through life; through the year.

From one end or side to the other; as, to pierce a thing through.

From beginning to end; as, to read a letter through.

To the end; to a conclusion; to the ultimate purpose; as, to carry a project through.

Going or extending through; going, extending, or serving from the beginning to the end; thorough; complete; as, a through line; a through ticket; a through train. Also, admitting of passage through; as, a through bridge.

Having finished or arrived at completion;

Of a route or journey etc.; continuing without requiring stops or changes;

From one end or side to the other;

From beginning to end;

Over the whole distance;

To completion;

In diameter;

Throughout the entire extent;

Moving across a park suggests a direct path over the surface, likely a shorter and visible route, while moving through a park suggests a longer, more involved path possibly surrounded by trees or paths within the park.

It is more appropriate to say "walked through the tunnel," as it involves moving inside and coming out the other side, whereas "across" would incorrectly suggest walking over it.

Yes, "through" often implies a longer duration because it involves depth or obstacles, unlike the more superficial and direct "across".

"Across" can refer to a broad, general coverage, such as reading across topics, while "through" might mean a detailed and thorough examination, such as working through problems.

"Across" could be used in metaphors about overcoming visible, superficial challenges (e.g., "getting your message across"), while "through" might be used for enduring or penetrating deeper challenges (e.g., "getting through tough times").

Generally, they are not interchangeable due to their distinct implications about the nature of the movement or journey. "Across" implies a surface-level transition, while "through" implies a more in-depth passage, often within something.

"Across" might imply a lesser sense of difficulty, associated with clear and open paths. In contrast, "through" often conveys a greater sense of challenge, as it suggests navigating internal complexities or barriers within an enclosed space.

"Across" conveys a perspective of detachment or overview, as if observing from above or at a distance. "Through" conveys a more immersive or enveloped experience, suggesting closeness and direct engagement with the environment.

"Across" suggests quickness and ease, suitable for lighter, more visible scenarios. "Through" suggests a more substantial, possibly challenging experience, suitable for conveying depth and complexity.

In technical writing or instructions, precision is key. "Across" is used when instructing movements or alignments that span surfaces or areas (e.g., drawing a line across a graph). "Through" is used to describe processes that involve sequences or steps that must be followed within systems or components (e.g., routing wiring through a conduit), emphasizing progression or depth in the instructions.

In geographical contexts, "across" often describes movement over a specific area like a desert or a continent (e.g., traveling across Asia), suggesting a broad, expansive journey. "Through" typically describes a journey that involves entering and exiting geographical features like mountains or forests (e.g., hiking through the Rockies), emphasizing traversal within or enclosed by these features.