eslHQ
Post

difference between "done with..." vs "through with ..."

Posted by mesmark · December 11, 2009 · 6 replies

A student was asking what the difference in nuance is between "done with..." vs "through with ..." I was a little stumped but came up with this:

"done with..." - simply finished with something, possibly for the time being (I might do it, need it or want it again)

"through with ..." - completely finished with something and I don't need it anymore

I had a few examples but for instance

"Are you done with the hammer?" - I want to use it for a bit.

"Are you through with the hammer?" - I want to put it away.

Or, are they completely interchangeable?

I told my student they were pretty much interchangeable but since she's very high level she wants to know about the finer nuances. Any help or thoughts on this are much appreciated.

6 Replies

susan53

The only thing I can think of is that, if I were annoyed, I'd probably choose "through with". Eg a student who continually asks for extra hw and then never does it : I'm through with creating exercises for Stefano when he never does them. "Done" there wouldn't be possible, I don't think - ?

Or is it not the annoyance but a difference between whether I'm talking about a concrete object or less tangible action ?

alawton

To me to be "done with..." sounds a little stronger than to be "through with...". I guess it all depends on the context of the sentence.

michèle 2

Would "done" be possible instead of 'through' in Marilyn Monroe's song : I'm through with love?☕

susan53

Hi Michelle - a belated reply because of the Christmas holidays - I've been in snowy Germany for two weeks, and am now back in foggy Milan ... But yes - for me there would be no difference in that context.

michèle 2

Hi Sue,
Thanks. and all the best for 2010 . I now teach French in Charente Maritime and live in the middle of the vineyards. I don't miss Paris at all and have lots of fun with my English students struggling to learn French!! The funny thing is that we have to review some of the English grammar points to understand French structures. So I'm sure i'll need eslhq forums for your invaluable knowledge about the English grammar. The weather is gorgeous today sunny and dry. Happy New Year to all eslhq members!⌨️

mesmark OP

michè wrote:Would "done" be possible instead of 'through' in Marilyn Monroe's song : I'm through with love?☕

Seems like either would be fine in American English.