Understanding the Phrasal Verb ‘Go through’

The phrasal verb ‘go through’ is a versatile and commonly used expression in English. For IELTS candidates, mastering this phrasal verb can significantly enhance your language skills and help you achieve a higher score in the speaking test.

Definition and Explanation

‘Go through’ has several meanings depending on the context:

1. To experience or endure something, especially something difficult or unpleasant.
2. To examine or check something carefully.
3. To be approved or accepted, often after a process of consideration.
4. To use up or consume something completely.
5. To explain or discuss something in detail.

Synonyms for ‘go through’ include experience, endure, examine, review, approve, consume, and explain, depending on the specific context.

Usage in Context

Here are some examples of how ‘go through’ can be used in different contexts:

• “I had to go through a rigorous interview process before getting the job.” (experience)
• “Let’s go through the report one more time to check for errors.” (examine)
• “The new law will go through parliament next week.” (be approved)
• “We’ve gone through all our savings in just a few months.” (use up)
• “The teacher went through the lesson plan with the students.” (explain)

Examples of 'Go through' usage in different contexts

Grammar Analysis

‘Go through’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning that in some cases, you can put the object between ‘go’ and ‘through’. However, this separation typically occurs only when the object is a pronoun.

• Separable: “Go through it” or “Go it through”
• Inseparable with nouns: “Go through the document” (not “Go the document through”)

Application in IELTS

Speaking Test

In the IELTS Speaking test, using ‘go through’ can demonstrate your ability to use phrasal verbs naturally. Here are some examples of how you might use it:

1. When discussing experiences:
   “I went through a challenging period when I first moved to a new city for university.”

2. When talking about processes:
   “Before launching a new product, companies often go through extensive market research.”

3. When describing preparations:
   “I always go through my notes carefully before an important exam.”

Writing Test

In the Writing test, ‘go through’ can be used to add sophistication to your essays:

• “The proposal must go through several stages of approval before implementation.”
• “Many developing countries are going through rapid economic transformations.”

Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously, as overuse may appear unnatural.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are some related phrasal verbs with their meanings and example sentences:

1. Go over /ɡəʊ ˈəʊvər/: To review or examine something carefully.
   “Let’s go over the contract one more time before signing.”

2. Go ahead /ɡəʊ əˈhed/: To proceed or continue with a plan or action.
   “The project has been approved, so we can go ahead with the implementation.”

3. Go along /ɡəʊ əˈlɒŋ/: To agree or comply with something.
   “I didn’t really want to attend the party, but I went along to please my friends.”

4. Go by /ɡəʊ baɪ/: To follow or adhere to (rules, guidelines).
   “We must go by the company’s policies when making decisions.”

5. Go for /ɡəʊ fɔː/: To choose or decide on something.
   “After considering all options, we decided to go for the eco-friendly solution.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the appropriate form of ‘go through’ or related phrasal verbs:

1. The committee will __ all applications before making a decision.
2. She had to __ a lot of paperwork to get her visa approved.
3. Let’s __ the main points of the presentation once more.
4. The new regulation will __ parliament next month.
5. We’ve __ all our supplies and need to restock.
6. Can you __ the instructions with me? I’m not sure I understand.
7. The company is __ a restructuring process.
8. Before making a decision, I’d like to __ all the options.
9. The proposal didn’t __ because it lacked sufficient support.
10. We need to __ our budget to see where we can cut costs.

Sentence Transformation

Rewrite the following sentences using ‘go through’ or related phrasal verbs:

1. The students experienced a difficult time during their exams.
2. Can you explain the procedure to me in detail?
3. The committee is currently reviewing all the suggestions.
4. We’ve used up all our resources on this project.
5. The new law was approved by the senate yesterday.
6. I need to check my notes before the presentation.
7. They decided to proceed with the original plan.
8. We must adhere to the company’s guidelines at all times.
9. After careful consideration, they chose the most cost-effective option.
10. She agreed to attend the meeting despite her reservations.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. go through
2. go through
3. go over
4. go through
5. gone through
6. go through
7. going through
8. go through
9. go through
10. go through

Sentence Transformation:

1. The students went through a difficult time during their exams.
2. Can you go through the procedure with me?
3. The committee is currently going through all the suggestions.
4. We’ve gone through all our resources on this project.
5. The new law went through the senate yesterday.
6. I need to go over my notes before the presentation.
7. They decided to go ahead with the original plan.
8. We must go by the company’s guidelines at all times.
9. After careful consideration, they went for the most cost-effective option.
10. She went along with attending the meeting despite her reservations.

Memory Tips

To remember the various meanings of ‘go through’, try associating them with visual cues:

• For “experience”, imagine walking through a tunnel (going through an experience).
• For “examine”, picture flipping through pages of a book.
• For “be approved”, visualize a document passing through different hands in an office.
• For “use up”, think of going through a bag of groceries until it’s empty.
• For “explain”, imagine going through a list, pointing at each item as you explain.

Visual memory aids for 'Go through' meanings

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect separation: Remember that ‘go through’ is only separable with pronouns.
   Incorrect: “Go the document through”
   Correct: “Go through the document” or “Go it through”

2. Confusion with ‘go over’: While both can mean ‘to examine’, ‘go through’ often implies a more thorough examination.
   “Let’s go over the main points” (brief review)
   “We need to go through every detail” (thorough examination)

3. Overuse in formal writing: While ‘go through’ is acceptable in the IELTS Writing test, overuse can make your writing seem informal. Use it judiciously and vary your vocabulary.

4. Misusing prepositions: ‘Go through’ is always followed by a direct object, not another preposition.
   Incorrect: “Go through with the process”
   Correct: “Go through the process” or “Go ahead with the process”

5. Forgetting the continuous form: When describing an ongoing process, use ‘going through’.
   Incorrect: “The company go through changes”
   Correct: “The company is going through changes”

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘go through’ and its related expressions can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test. By understanding its various meanings, practicing its usage in different contexts, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be able to use it confidently and naturally. Remember to incorporate it into your everyday English practice, whether you’re describing a person who has helped you through a difficult time or discussing how you’ve gone through challenges to achieve your goals. With consistent practice, you’ll find that using ‘go through’ becomes second nature, helping you express yourself more fluently and accurately in both the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS test.