Understanding prepositions of movement can be tricky, especially when two words seem to describe similar actions. Knowing the difference between across and through is essential for expressing direction and movement accurately in English. Let's break down how each one works and when to use them.
How do you use the preposition "across" correctly?
The preposition across indicates movement from one side to the other side of something [01:10]. The key detail here is that the object or space you are crossing must have clear limits — you can identify where it begins and where it ends.
Some common examples include:
- A street: you know the border on each side.
- A bridge: it has a clear start and end point.
- A park: like Central Park in New York, which has defined boundaries.
The instructor shares a personal example: "I've walked across Central Park once, and let me tell you, it is a long walk" [01:42]. This perfectly illustrates how across works — moving from one edge of a defined space to the opposite edge.
What makes "across" different from other movement prepositions?
The distinguishing factor is those clear limits. You wouldn't typically use across for something without obvious boundaries. The space needs recognizable borders so the listener understands you moved from one side to the other.
How do you use the preposition "through" correctly?
Now, through expresses a different kind of movement: going in from one side and coming out of the other [02:25]. Unlike across, the object or space usually has some kind of opening that allows you to enter and exit.
A great way to remember this is to think of a tunnel [02:38]. You enter one end, move inside it, and exit the other end. Other examples include:
- A door: you go in from one side and come out of the other.
- A lobby: you pass from one end to the other.
- A forest: as the instructor jokes, "you can ride your horse through a forest if you're a character from Game of Thrones" [03:00].
What is the correct pronunciation of "through"?
Pronunciation matters here because through can be difficult for non-native speakers. The instructor encourages repeating the word out loud to practice [02:17]. It rhymes with you and do, and the "gh" is silent.
Why are "across" and "through" often confused?
Both prepositions describe movement from one point to another, which is why learners frequently mix them up. The difference comes down to the nature of the space:
- Use across when the surface or area is open and flat with clear boundaries — you move over it.
- Use through when the space is enclosed or has an opening — you move inside and out of it.
The class also revisited a sentence from the previous lesson: "I usually put my laptop into the table when I work from home" [00:10]. This sentence is incorrect because a table is a flat surface, not a closed container. The correct preposition is on: "I put my laptop on the table." You need something closed from all sides — like a box, a fridge, or a wardrobe — to use into [00:30].
This reinforces an important principle when working with prepositions: always consider the physical characteristics of the object or space you are describing. Is it flat? Open? Enclosed? That understanding will guide you to the right preposition every time.
Practice using both across and through in your own sentences and share them in the comments.
