Through and Along are used as prepositions and adverbs in coining sentences in the English language. ‘Through’ is the preposition used to denote a noun’s travel from one point to another. ‘Along’ is a preposition that is used to indicate the length of something.
Key Takeaways
- “Through” is a preposition indicating movement from one side of something to the other or across something, while “along” indicates movement in a continuous line following the length or direction of something.
- “Through” suggests a passage or movement within or across an object or space, while “along” implies movement parallel to or beside a path, road, or line.
- “Through” can also indicate the completion of an event or process, whereas “along” is strictly used to describe spatial relationships.
Through vs Along
Through indicates movement from one end of a space or a period of time to another, implying penetration or passage and emphasizes the idea of completion. Along indicates movement in a particular direction or a path, emphasizing the idea of continuation, and used when the emphasis is on direction.
‘Through’ can be a preposition, adjective, and adverb in English grammar. When it is used as an adjective, it describes the movement of the noun from one side to another.
‘Along’ acts as a preposition and an adverb in a sentence. When used as a preposition, it means the length of the subject or the lengthwise comparison of something.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Through | Along |
|---|---|---|
| Preposition | Through is a word that means the noun’s motion from one point to another. | Along denotes the length of a noun or explains the total size of the noun’s motion. |
| Adverb | As an adverb, through denotes the movement of something in a closed passage. | An adverb in sentences explains a noun’s company with something. |
| Dimension of motion | A 3-dimensional motion is meant when ‘through’ is used to denote the movement of something. | A linear motion of something is meant by using along in a sentence. |
| Parts of speech | Through can be a preposition, an adverb, and an adjective according to a particular context. | Along can be a preposition or an adverb according to the meaning intended. |
| Derived words | Throughout | Alongside, here along, there along |
When to Use Through?
The English language uses the word ‘through’ as a preposition in places where an opening and end of a location are meant. It means to enter something from its start and to come out of it by its end.
For example, The rat passed through the hole.
‘Through’ can be used as an adverb at places where the period of something is concerned. It explains the time needed to complete an ongoing task.
For example:
- This cab goes through Howrah.
Also, ‘through’ can be used as an adjective in sentences. Here ‘through’ means to complete a task to conclude a job by getting the output of it.
For example:
- He has done thorough work.
When to Use Along?
Along is also a preposition used to mention the travel of something from one point to another. But unlike ‘through’ along means only beside the said place, whereas through means in between the mentioned passage.
For example:
- They walked along the river.
When ‘along’ is used as an adverb, it can be used to mention the company of something or someone. It is used in sentences where the meaning of ‘being with’ is intended.
For example:
- She walked along with him
- There should be a park along this river.
Along can be used in many more contexts as many derived words exist. Alongside and Along with are some of the words that are worth mentioning.
Main Differences Between Through and Along
- As a preposition, ‘through’ is used in places where the path of travel of a noun is expected. Along is used in areas where the length or distance of the route is expected.
- Through means moving through a passage when used as an adverb, whereas ‘along’ means ‘being in company with’.
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/through
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/along
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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