What Does “Go through with sth” Mean?
“Go through with sth” means to complete or carry out a plan, promise, or decision, especially when it is difficult or challenging.
Introduction
The phrase “go through with sth” is a common phrasal verb used in English to describe the act of following through on something you have planned or promised. This could be anything from finishing a project to keeping a promise, even if you feel unsure or face obstacles. Understanding the “go through with sth” meaning helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. It emphasizes determination and commitment, highlighting the action of completing something despite difficulties. This phrase is useful in many real-life situations, such as making decisions, fulfilling responsibilities, or sticking to plans.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: go through with something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to complete or carry out a plan or promise
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Go through with sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires an object (something). It is inseparable, so you cannot place the object between “go through” and “with.”
Correct pattern: go through with + something
Example: She decided to go through with the wedding.
Incorrect pattern: go through + something + with (not used)
How to Use “Go through with sth”?
Use “go through with sth” when you want to express that someone completes an action or plan, especially after some hesitation or difficulty. It often implies that the decision or plan was serious or important.
It is commonly used with actions such as plans, promises, decisions, or agreements.
Examples
Imagine your friend is nervous about taking a big exam but decides to continue and finish it. You can say:
- She was scared but went through with the exam.
- Despite the problems, they went through with the project.
- He promised to help and went through with his promise.
- They almost canceled the trip but went through with it in the end.
- Going through with such a big decision takes courage.
These examples show “go through with sth in a sentence” used naturally to describe completing actions.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes and corrections:
- Incorrect: She went through the wedding with.
- Correct: She went through with the wedding.
- Incorrect: They went through with the plan it.
- Correct: They went through with the plan.
Remember, the object always comes after “go through with.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “carry out,” “follow through,” and “complete.” However, “go through with sth” often suggests doing something despite doubts or difficulties, while “carry out” is more neutral, and “follow through” emphasizes finishing what was started.
- Carry out: to perform or execute a task.
- Follow through: to continue an action to completion.
- Go through with sth: to complete something difficult or important.
For example, you can “carry out an experiment,” “follow through on a promise,” or “go through with a plan” when it is challenging.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects used with “go through with”:
- Plan: to complete or execute a plan.
- Promise: to keep a promise.
- Decision: to carry out a decision made.
- Project: to finish a project.
- Marriage/Wedding: to complete the wedding despite doubts.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go through with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “go through with sth”:
Anna: Are you sure you want to go through with the job interview?
Ben: Yes, even though I’m nervous, I think I should try my best.
Anna: That’s great! Going through with it shows real courage.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) She decided to go through the promise with.
- b) She decided to go through with the promise.
- c) She decided to go with the promise through.
Answer: b) She decided to go through with the promise.
FAQs
- Q: Can “go through with sth” be used in the past tense?
A: Yes, for example, “He went through with the plan.” - Q: Is “go through with” separable?
A: No, the object must come after “go through with.” - Q: Can it be used for small actions?
A: It is mostly used for important or difficult actions. - Q: What is a synonym for “go through with sth”?
A: “Follow through” or “carry out” are similar. - Q: Does “go through with sth” imply difficulty?
A: Yes, it often implies completing something despite challenges.
