Threw vs. Through — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 11, 2023
Threw is the past tense of "throw." Through means moving in one side and out the other side.
Difference Between Threw and Through
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Key Differences
"Threw" is the past tense of the verb "throw," which means to propel something with force. "Through" is a preposition that indicates movement from one end to the other. Both words, while sounding similar, are used in different contexts. For example, one might say, "She threw the ball," but "She walked through the door."
"Threw" is primarily associated with actions related to tossing or hurling an object. On the other hand, "through" is versatile and can convey a sense of completion, movement, or positioning. An example to illustrate both words could be: "He threw the paper through the window."
In grammar, "threw" stands as a verb, particularly in its past form. "Through," in contrast, is versatile; it can function as a preposition, adverb, or adjective. A sentence showcasing both words might be: "After she threw the hat into the air, it flew through the sky."
"Threw" always involves an action, and it necessitates an object or a recipient of that action. "Through," in its varied functions, can convey a means, a medium, or a passage. For instance, "The quarterback threw the football through the goalpost."
The two words, despite their phonetic similarities, serve distinct purposes in English. "Threw" implies a past action involving projection. "Through" can describe a medium or a process. "She threw the letter through the mail slot."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Preposition, Adverb, Adjective
Definition
Past tense of "throw"
Moving in one side and out the other
Function in Sentence
Describes an action
Describes movement, position, or completion
Requires an Object?
Yes, something being thrown
Not necessarily
Example Sentence
"She threw the ball."
"She walked through the door."
Compare with Definitions
Threw
Past tense of throw.
She threw the stone into the pond.
Through
Up to and including.
Open Monday through Friday.
Threw
To host or hold an event.
They threw a surprise party for her.
Through
In one side and out the opposite or another side of
Went through the tunnel.
Threw
To propel something with force.
He threw the pillow at his brother.
Through
Among or between; in the midst of
A walk through the flowers.
Threw
To cause to enter a particular state.
The news threw the community into chaos.
Through
By way of
Climbed in through the window.
Threw
To discard or dispose of something.
He threw away the old magazines.
Through
By the means or agency of
Bought the antique vase through a dealer.
Threw
Past tense of throw.
Through
Into and out of the handling, care, processing, modification, or consideration of
Her application went through our office. Run the figures through the computer.
Threw
Past participle of throw
Through
Here and there in; around
A tour through France.
Through
From the beginning to the end of
Stayed up through the night.
Through
At or to the end of; done or finished with, especially successfully
We are through the initial testing period.
Through
Up to and including
A play that runs through December.
A volume that covers A through D.
Through
Past and without stopping for
Drove through a red light.
Through
Because of; on account of
She succeeded through hard work. He declined the honor through modesty.
Through
From one end or side to another or an opposite end or side
Opened the door and went through.
Through
From beginning to end; completely
I read the article once through.
Through
Throughout the whole extent or thickness; thoroughly
Warmed the leftovers clear through.
Got soaked through in the rain.
A letter that was shot through with the writer's personality.
Through
Over the total distance; all the way
Drove through to their final destination.
Through
To a conclusion or an accomplishment
See a matter through.
Through
Allowing continuous passage; unobstructed
A through street.
Through
Affording transportation to a destination with few or no stops and no transfers
A through bus.
A through ticket.
Through
Continuing on a highway without exiting
Through traffic.
Through lanes.
Through
Passing or extending from one end, side, or surface to another
A through beam.
Through
Having finished; at completion
She was through with the project.
Through
Having no further concern, dealings, or connection
I'm through with him.
Through
Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up
That swimmer is through as an athlete.
Through
Doomed to death or destruction.
Through
From one side of an opening to the other.
I went through the window.
Through
Entering, then later leaving.
I drove through the town at top speed without looking left or right.
Through
Surrounded by (while moving).
We slogged through the mud for hours before turning back and giving up.
Through
By means of.
This team believes in winning through intimidation.
Through
In consequence of; as a result of.
Through
(North America) To (or up to) and including, with all intermediate values.
From 1945 through 1991;
The numbers 1 through 9;
Your membership is active through March 15, 2013
Through
Passing from one side of something to the other.
Interstate highways form a nationwide system of through roads.
Through
Finished; complete.
They were through with laying the subroof by noon.
Through
Without a future; done for.
After being implicated in the scandal, he was through as an executive in financial services.
Through
No longer interested; wearied or turned off by experience.
She was through with him.
Through
Proceeding from origin to destination without delay due to change of equipment.
The through flight through Memphis was the fastest.
Through
(association football) In possession of the ball beyond the last line of defence but not necessarily the goalkeeper; through on goal.
Through
From one side to the other by way of the interior.
The arrow went straight through.
Through
From one end to the other.
Others slept; he worked straight through.
She read the letter through.
Through
During a period of time; throughout
He worked through the night.
Through
To the end.
He said he would see it through.
Through
Completely.
Leave the yarn in the dye overnight so the color soaks through.
Through
Out into the open.
The American army broke through at Saint-Lô.
Through
A large slab of stone laid in a dry-stone wall from one side to the other; a perpend.
Through
(obsolete) A coffin, sarcophagus or tomb of stone; a large slab of stone laid on a tomb.
Through
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.
Through
Between the sides or walls of; within; as, to pass through a door; to go through an avenue.
Through the gate of ivory he dismissedHis valiant offspring.
Through
By means of; by the agency of.
Through these hands this science has passed with great applause.
Material things are presented only through their senses.
Through
Over the whole surface or extent of; as, to ride through the country; to look through an account.
Through
Among or in the midst of; - used to denote passage; as, a fish swims through the water; the light glimmers through a thicket.
Through
From the beginning to the end of; to the end or conclusion of; as, through life; through the year.
Through
From one end or side to the other; as, to pierce a thing through.
Through
From beginning to end; as, to read a letter through.
Through
To the end; to a conclusion; to the ultimate purpose; as, to carry a project through.
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.
Through
Having finished or arrived at completion;
Certain to make history before he's done
It's a done deed
After the treatment, the patient is through except for follow-up
Almost through with his studies
Through
Of a route or journey etc.; continuing without requiring stops or changes;
A through street
A through bus
Through traffic
Through
From one end or side to the other;
Jealousy pierced her through
Through
From beginning to end;
Read this book through
Through
Over the whole distance;
This bus goes through to New York
Through
To completion;
Think this through very carefully!
Through
In diameter;
This cylinder measures 15 inches through
Through
Throughout the entire extent;
Got soaked through in the rain
I'm frozen through
A letter shot through with the writer's personality
Knew him through and through
Boards rotten through and through
Through
Moving in one side and out the other.
He walked through the tunnel.
Through
As a result of; by means of.
She succeeded through hard work.
Through
Finished; done.
She's through with her homework.
Through
Spanning the entirety of.
He read the book through in one sitting.
Common Curiosities
How is "through" typically used in sentences?
"Through" can indicate movement from one end to the other, a means, or completion.
Can "through" function as a verb?
No, "through" is a preposition, adverb, or adjective.
What is "threw" in terms of grammar?
"Threw" is the past tense of the verb "throw."
Can "threw" be used to describe future actions?
No, "threw" is strictly past tense.
Can I use "threw" without an object in a sentence?
Typically, "threw" requires an object as something needs to be thrown.
Is it correct to say, "I threw the ball through the window"?
Yes, this sentence correctly uses both "threw" and "through."
How can I remember the difference between "threw" and "through"?
Remember, "threw" is related to an action (throwing), while "through" often indicates movement or position.
Is "through" only used to describe physical movement?
No, "through" can also indicate means, completion, or span of time.
Can "threw" be a noun?
No, "threw" is always a verb.
What's a synonym for "threw"?
"Hurled" or "tossed" can be synonyms for "threw."
What word should I use if I'm talking about the past action of tossing something?
Use "threw."
Do "threw" and "through" sound the same?
Yes, they're homophones, which means they sound alike but have different meanings.
Can "through" be used to indicate a reason or means?
Yes, as in "She succeeded through determination."
Can "through" refer to completion of a task?
Yes, like in "She's through with her assignment."
Can "through" indicate a period of time?
Yes, like in "Monday through Friday."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
