Distinguishing Threw, Through, and Thorough: Usage and Examples

Understanding the Difference: Threw, Through, and Thorough

In English, some words can sound the same or look similar but have different meanings. Today, we will look at three words: threw, through, and thorough. These words can be confusing, so it is important to learn how to use them correctly.

Word Histories

• Threw is the past tense of the verb “throw.” It comes from Old English and means to toss or to send something into the air with force.
• Through is a preposition or adverb. It comes from Old English as well and means to go in one side and come out the other or to move from one end to the other.
• Thorough is an adjective meaning something is done completely or with great detail. This word also comes from Old English.

How to Use “Threw”

“Threw” is a verb. Use it when talking about something being tossed or hurled.

• He threw the ball to his friend.
• She threw the paper into the recycling bin.
• The boy threw a rock into the pond.
• The pitcher threw a fastball during the game.
• We all threw our hands in the air with excitement.

How to Use “Through”

“Through” is often used as a preposition or adverb. Use it when talking about moving in one side and out the other, or when something is completed.

• We walked through the park together.
• The train passed through the tunnel.
• She read through the entire book in one day.
• The cat crawled through the small opening.
• He worked through the night to finish his project.

How to Use “Thorough”

“Thorough” is an adjective. Use it when describing something that is done with great attention or detail.

• The detective did a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
• She gave the room a thorough cleaning.
• The teacher gave a thorough explanation of the lesson.
• He wrote a thorough report on his findings.
• The inspection was very thorough and nothing was missed.

Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple way to remember is:

• Threw for tossing something away. (Both end with the “ew” sound, like in “flew”)
• Through for moving from one side to another. (Think of going “through” a tunnel)
• Thorough for doing something completely. (It sounds like “thoroughly”)

Summary

While these words may look and sound similar, they have distinct meanings:

• Threw is about throwing something.
• Through is about passing from one side to another.
• Thorough is about being complete and detailed.

Learning the difference and using these words correctly will help to improve your English writing and speaking skills.