Through vs Across – Difference and Comparison

What is “Through”?

The word ‘through’ is a preposition used to describe a movement from one side or point in space or time to another. It can also describe a transition, a passing through, an accomplishment, and a way to an end.

When used as a preposition, it implies movement in a straight line, passing through obstacles, or covering a distance. For example, “He walked through the forest” means he walked from one side of the forest to the other, passing through it.

When used to describe a transition, ‘through’ can mean to experience something, to understand something, or to do something to reach a certain point or state. For example, “He went through a difficult period” implies that he experienced difficulties and eventually moved on.

When used to describe an accomplishment, ‘through’ can mean to achieve something, to complete something, or to reach a goal. For example, “She made it through college” implies that she worked hard and eventually graduated.

When used to describe a way to an end, ‘through’ can mean continuing on a particular path or course of action to reach a goal. For example, “We’ll make it through this” implies that we should keep going to succeed eventually.

The word ‘through’ can describe different kinds of movement, transitions, accomplishments, and ways to an end.

What is “Across”?

The word ‘across’ is an adverb, preposition, and adjective used to describe a physical movement to the other side of an area, object, or barrier. It can also represent a symbolic movement in terms of time or distance.

Also Read:   After vs Afterwards – Difference and Comparison

When used as an adverb, the word ‘across’ describes a movement from one side to the other, horizontally or vertically. It can be used to describe a movement that is perpendicular to a specific boundary. For example, ‘He walked across the street.’

When used as a preposition, ‘across’ can describe a physical movement from one side to the other of an area, object, or barrier. It can also represent movement over some time or distance. For example, ‘She drove across the country.’

As an adjective, ‘across’ is used to describe something located on the opposite side of where someone or something else is located. For example, ‘The house across the street.’

In summary, the word ‘across’ describes the physical or symbolic movement from one side to the other. It can also describe something located on the opposite side of where someone or something else is located.

Difference Between “Through” and “Across”

  1. ‘Through’ is used for a single path, while ‘Across’ is used for multiple paths.
  2. ‘Through’ is used to describe a completed journey, while ‘Across’ is used to describe a journey that is still ongoing.
  3. ‘Through’ suggests a complete route or journey, while ‘Across’ suggests an incomplete route or journey.
  4. ‘Through’ is used for a single object or concept, while ‘Across’ is used for multiple objects or concepts.
  5. ‘Through’ is used to describe a specific route or passage, while ‘Across’ is used to describe a general area or region.

Comparison Between “Through” and “Across.”

Parameters of comparisonThroughAcross
Meaningmotion inside or within somethingmotion from one side to the other side
Implementimplies a start and an endpointimplies an ongoing activity
Used to describe a linear journeydescribe a broad journey
Description ofa continuous processa discontinuous process
Movementsused to describe physical movementused for metaphorical movement

References

  1. Exploring the ontological dimension of dialogic education through an evaluation of the impact of Internet mediated dialogue across cultural difference – ScienceDirect
  2. Dialogue Across Difference: Practice, Theory, and Research on Intergroup … – Patricia Gurin, Biren (Ratnesh) A. Nagda, Ximena Zuniga – Google Books