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Master English Grammar

Advanced Prepositions of Movement (Through, Past, Across)

Learn how to use advanced prepositions of movement to describe direction and motion. Understand how to use through, past, and across correctly.

What Are Prepositions of Movement?

Prepositions of movement describe how someone or something moves from one place to another, often in relation to an object or area.

Why Is This Important?

Using prepositions of movement correctly helps you give clear directions and describe motion accurately.

How to Use 'Through', 'Past', and 'Across'

'Through' is used when moving from one side of an enclosed space to another (e.g., through a tunnel).
'Past' is used when moving beyond something or someone (e.g., past the store).
'Across' is used when moving from one side of an open space to another (e.g., across the street).

Common Examples

We walked through the forest.
He ran past the shop.
She swam across the river.

Key Points

  • Use 'through' for enclosed spaces
    • She drove through the tunnel.
    • We walked through the park.
  • Use 'past' to describe movement beyond something
    • He walked past me without saying hello.
    • We drove past the stadium.
  • Use 'across' for movement from one side to another
    • She ran across the street.
    • They sailed across the ocean.

Rules for Using Advanced Prepositions of Movement

  • Use 'through' when moving inside an enclosed space

    • They walked through the forest.
    • She ran through the crowd.
    • We drove through the tunnel.

  • Use 'past' when moving beyond something

    • He walked past the school.
    • The bus drove past my house.
    • We ran past the church.

  • Use 'across' when moving from one side of an open space to another

    • She swam across the river.
    • We walked across the street.
    • The birds flew across the sky.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Sometimes 'through' and 'across' can be confused depending on context.

  • Use 'through' for enclosed spaces and 'across' for open spaces.

    • Correct: She walked through the tunnel.
    • Incorrect: She walked across the tunnel.

  • 'Past' should not be confused with 'passed' (the verb form of pass).

    • Correct: He walked past me.
    • Incorrect: He passed me the store.
ExampleTenseUse
We walked through the forest.Preposition of Movement'Through' for enclosed spaces
He ran past the shop.Preposition of Movement'Past' for moving beyond something
She swam across the river.Preposition of Movement'Across' for movement from one side to another
The bus drove past my house.Preposition of Movement'Past' to indicate passing by something

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.