What Does "go through with" Mean?
- The phrasal verb "go through with" means to proceed with or complete something, especially something difficult, unpleasant, or that one is hesitant about. It implies a sense of commitment or determination to follow through despite reservations.
- The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "go through" has its own meanings, the addition of "with" significantly alters the overall meaning to imply completion or execution of a plan.
- The register is neutral. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: verb + particle + preposition + noun/pronoun/gerund.
- Typical objects: "the plan," "the surgery," "the deal," "it" (referring to a previously mentioned action).
- Complements: The phrase can be followed by clauses explaining the reason for hesitation or difficulty.
- The components cannot be separated. The verb "go," the particle "through," and the preposition "with" must stay together.
- What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "go through in it"), using a synonym for "go" that doesn't fit the idiomatic usage (e.g., "proceed through with it"), or separating the components of the phrasal verb.
Real-World Examples
"So why go through with it?" — The Guardian - Lifestyle
"He can't go through with it." — The New Yorker
"Thinking, could I go through with it?" — The Guardian - Lifestyle
"Will Donald Trump go through with it?" — The New Yorker
"But in the end I couldn't go through with it." — Independent
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/go+through+with
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| follow through |
Similar meaning; often used in the context of sports or commitments. |
| carry out |
More formal; emphasizes the execution of a plan or task. |
| execute |
Highly formal; often used in legal or business contexts. |
| complete |
Focuses on finishing something; less emphasis on difficulty or hesitation. |
| finish |
Informal alternative to "complete". |
| accomplish |
Emphasizes the achievement of a goal. |
| perform |
Often used for tasks or duties. |
Common Mistakes
- Learners often confuse it with similar phrasal verbs like "go through" (which means to experience or examine) or use the wrong preposition (e.g., 'go through').
- Using a synonym for "go" that doesn't fit the idiomatic usage (e.g., "proceed through with it").
- Separating the components of the phrasal verb (e.g., "go with through it").
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| go through with |
To proceed with something, especially when difficult or unpleasant. |
verb + particle + preposition + noun/pronoun/gerund |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can the parts of "go through with" be separated, or must they stay together?
The phrasal verb "go through with" is inseparable. The verb "go," the particle "through," and the preposition "with" must remain together to maintain the correct meaning; separating them would sound unnatural and change the meaning.
How does "go through with" differ from a similar alternative like "carry out"?
While both "go through with" and "carry out" mean to perform or complete something, "go through with" often implies a sense of hesitation or difficulty that needs to be overcome. "Carry out," on the other hand, is more neutral and focuses on the execution of a plan or task without necessarily implying reluctance.
What's a common mistake people make when using "go through with"?
A common mistake is confusing "go through with" with the simpler phrasal verb "go through," which means to experience or examine something. Learners may also incorrectly use a different preposition, such as "go through in it," or separate the phrasal verb, disrupting its meaning.