Pars vs À travers

Aashpreet K.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Pars vs À travers

"I will pass through Paris." Is one of the below incorrect? Why?

- Je passerai par Paris.

- Je passerai à travers Paris.

Asked 10 months ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

passer par -- to go/pass through/by. It is used to specify a location that your path touches or passes by. Like, e.g., a stop on a route.

Sur mon chemin du retour je passe par la boulangerie. -- On my way back I pass by the bakery.
Le train passe par Paris. -- The train passes through Paris. It means that Paris is a point along the route of the train, not necessarily that the train cuts right through the city.

passer à travers -- to cross. This means that you emphasize going through a town or a place.

Je dois passer à travers Paris pendant l'heure de pointe. -- I have to cross Paris during the rush hour.

Pars vs À travers

"I will pass through Paris." Is one of the below incorrect? Why?

- Je passerai par Paris.

- Je passerai à travers Paris.

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