Stop Mixing Up “Threw” and “Through”

Ever see the words “threw” and “through” and wonder which one to use? Don’t worry—English can be tricky like that!

Today, Midoo AI will teach you a simple way to understand the difference between “threw” and “through”, so you can use them correctly every time. Let’s break it down.

Threw – The Past of “Throw”

“Threw” is the past tense of the verb “throw.”

You use it when you talk about something you tossed or threw in the past.

Examples:

She threw the ball across the yard.
He threw the book on the table.
I threw my old shoes away.
They threw a surprise party for her.
The dog threw his toy into the air.

Quick Tip: If it’s about tossing or launching something → use threw.

Through – A Preposition or Adverb

“Through” means moving from one side to another, or completing something from start to end.

Examples:

We walked through the park.
The train passed through the tunnel.
He read through the whole book in one day.
The light shone through the window.
She got through a tough time in her life.

Quick Tip: If it’s about passing, traveling, or finishing something → use through.

Memory Trick

Threw = Throw (past tense) → action in the past
Through = Direction or completion → movement or progress

Example sentence:

I threw the paper airplane, and it flew through the open door.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ I through the ball to him.
✅ I threw the ball to him.
❌ She threw the forest to get home.
✅ She went through the forest to get home.

FAQ

Q: Are “threw” and “through” pronounced the same?

A: Yes, they sound the same, which is why they’re easy to mix up.

Q: Can “through” be a verb?

A: No, “through” is not used as a verb. Use “threw” for actions.

Q: Any quick way to remember?

A: Think: throw → threw (past action). If it’s not about throwing, it’s probably through.

Q: What about “thru”?

A: “Thru” is just an informal or shortened spelling of “through,” often seen on signs like “drive-thru.”