Difference Between Threw and Through

The terms 'threw' and 'through' are homonyms, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings.

Difference Between Threw and Through

It is important to know their correct meaning, use cases, and related concepts to use these words better accordingly. Once you know the meaning, you can easily differentiate them.

Definition of Threw

The term 'threw' is the past tense form of the verb 'throw', and its past participle form is 'thrown'. It is primarily used to describe the action of releasing something with one's hands, using either a gentle or forceful motion, typically involving a forward movement of the arms and wrist, propelling the object through the air to dispose of it. However, it can be used in different contexts, which are discussed in the points below with examples of different use cases or scenarios:

1. Propel something:

  • Robin threw her jacket on the bed after coming back home.
  • Joe and his friends have thrown stones at the protesters, and that's why they got arrested.
  • Can you please stop throwing your stuff on the table?

2. Shock a person:

  • Reema had no idea that I was coming back; she was completely thrown to see me there.

3. Open something that was previously closed to let something get in:

  • The gate has been thrown open so that Rohan's friends may come in.

4. Cause or make something happen:

  • The decision of the Prime Minister has thrown the cops into action.
  • Amit's actions have thrown him into a very difficult position.

5. Do something carelessly, quickly, or hastily:

  • Rita threw a jacket over herself.

6. Put on or hold:

  • and Mrs. Sharma have thrown a party on the occasion of his 25th anniversary.

7. Chance or turn:

  • It was Rahul's throw, but he missed his turn.

Typically, the term 'throw' is paired with various phrases to convey different meanings. For instance, 'throw-away' signifies discarding something, 'throwback' refers to a return to an earlier time, 'throw in' means adding something to an offer, 'throw off' implies setting oneself apart, 'throw oneself into' indicates engaging in an activity with enthusiasm, and 'throw oneself at' suggests seeking someone's attention or interest.

Definition of Through

The preposition 'through' is employed to signify a type of movement that goes from one side to the other, indicating penetration or passage. When used as an adjective or adverb, it denotes a point in time, particularly when discussing the completion of an action. Let's take an overview of the points discussed below to understand its usage:

1. From one point to another:

  • The children walked slowly through the road.
  • No truck can be seen going through the no-entry zone.
  • "You have to ride your bike carefully through the field", said the cops.

2. From the start to the end of the period:

  • It rained all through the night.
  • Simran waited through four days and then moved on her journey.

3. Going in and out of a procedure:

  • You have to go through the entire process to get the approval.
  • She has been through cancer and emerged victorious.

4. As a result of, because or due to:

  • He lost his job through misconduct.

5. Relationships that link two people:

  • Rohan is related to Rohit through his father.

6. Place of something which is at the opposite or far end:

  • The entry to the house is through two doors.
  • Take a left through the HOD's office.

7. Way or Mode of spreading or conveying news:

  • I got the information through my colleague.
  • We heard the news through Instagram.

8. When you are done with something:

  • Have you been through with your classes?

Remembering the Difference Between Threw and Through

While their pronunciation may be similar, "threw" and "through" carry distinct meanings. It's important to note that "threw" functions as a verb, indicating an action, whereas "through" serves as an adverb, adjective, or preposition, depending on its role within a sentence.

ThrewThrough
The verb describes the action of propelling an object forcefully.The preposition indicates continuous movement in a straight line from one point to another.
Example: "She threw the ball across the playfield."Example: "They walked through the park."
It is typically used as the past tense form of "throw".It cannot be used as the past tense form of "throw".
This term describes the action of making an object move in a direction away from the individual who is throwing it.This phrase describes the action of moving steadily in a straight path from one location to another, either in a physical sense or metaphorically.
Typically implies a physical action.It can be used both in a physical and figurative sense.
Typically used with an object (e.g., "threw the ball").Typically used without an object (e.g., "went through the door").
This term can imply a sense of force or exertion accompanying the movement from one point to another.This term carries a neutral meaning, suggesting only that there was movement from one place to another, without any additional connotations.

Key Differences between Threw and Through

There exist distinct differences between the terms "threw" and "through", which can be elaborated upon through the following points:

  • "Threw" is used to describe the action of launching or casting something using hands, with a forward movement of the arms and wrist, typically into the air. In contrast, "through" is utilized to indicate how something occurs. It can be employed in various contexts, such as denoting motion from one end to another within an opening or channel or to signify the means by which something is accomplished or completed.
  • "Threw" is predominantly employed when referring to the act of disposing of or discarding something, while "through" is primarily used to signify passage by means of or movement from one side to another.
  • The term "threw" is an irregular verb derived from the simple past form of "throw", with its past participle being "thrown". Conversely, "through" is commonly used as a preposition in sentences, although it can also function as an adjective or adverb.





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