If you’re learning English these words may represent a challenge for you. Not only do they sound similar, but they are also written similarly. Because of that, many English learners misuse the words tough though thought through thorough and throughout. If you don’t want to be one of them, stick with us!
Tough
Meaning: (of a substance or object) strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough or careless handling; able to endure hardship or pain;
Example sentence:
- Tough Questions To Answer Before You Shape The Future Of Your Business, Your Teams And Yourself (Forbes)
Though
Meaning: despite the fact that; although; however (indicating that a factor qualifies or imposes restrictions on what was said previously
Example sentence:
- Vaccinated people may spread the virus, though rarely, CDC Reports (The New York Times)
Thought
Meaning: past simple and past participle forms of think; an idea or opinion produced by thinking, or occurring suddenly in the mind; the action or process of thinking
Example sentence:
- Earth is warming faster than previously thought, scientists say, and the window is closing to avoid catastrophic outcomes (CNN)
Through
Meaning: moving in one side and out of the other side of (an opening, channel, or location); continuing in time toward completion of (a process or period); expressing movement into one side and out of the other side of an opening, channel, or location; so as to continue in time toward the completion of a process, period, etc.; (of a means of public transportation or a ticket) continuing or valid to the final destination; (of a room) running the whole length of a building
Example sentence:
- Giving prisoners a fresh start through employment (CBI)
Thorough
Meaning: complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial; performed or written with great care and completeness; taking pains to do something carefully and completely
Example sentence:
- George Conway calls for more thorough investigation in impeachment trial (CNN)
Throughout
Meaning: in every part of (a place or object); in every part of a place or object
Example sentence:
- In San Francisco, ‘I Dos’ Echo Throughout City Hall (The New York Times)
Now you know the difference between tough though thought through thorough and throughout! Try to use these words in your everyday practice of the language, so you won’t forget them!
If you want to read more tips on vocabulary, click here!
