Distinguishing Between Across & Through

Across vs Through

Across and Through are two words that convey the sense of movement, but with some differences, making it necessary to understand the distinction between them in order to use them appropriately. Both words can be used to describe a movement from one side of an area to another. Primarily, across and through are used as prepositions and adverbs, though sometimes as adjectives. There is a significant difference between the two words when it comes to their inner meaning.

What does Across mean?

Across conveys the sense of “on,” meaning movement on a surface. Consider the following sentences:

– We walked across the ice.
– We ran across the meadow.
– I moved across the road to the hotel.

In each of these sentences, the word “across” implies movement on a surface. It is important to note that the word “through” is used differently when associated with anything long and thin, as in:

– Robert swam across the river.

This sentence is correct, while “Robert swam through the river” would be incorrect in usage because a river is an object that is long and thin. The word “across” is also used to suggest movement in fields and deserts, and sometimes gives the sense of “on the other side of.”

What does Through mean?

The word “through” conveys the sense of “in” and suggests movement in three-dimensional space. Consider the following sentences:

– We walked carefully through the forest.
– Seeing a hooded figure coming in through the doorway, Mrs. Black shrieked.
– I ran through the crowd.

In each of these sentences, “through” implies movement within a three-dimensional space.

Key Takeaways

• Across conveys the sense of “on” and represents movement on a surface.
• Through conveys the sense of “in” and represents movement in three-dimensional space.
• Through has a special usage when associated with anything long and thin, while across is sometimes used to mean “on the other side of.”