"Put through" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in formal or semi-formal communication, particularly in professional settings. It generally refers to the act of connecting someone by phone to the desired person or department, as in "Could you put me through to the manager, please?" This usage is widespread in business environments, telecommunications, and customer service interactions. Aside from its telecommunication application, "put through" can also mean to subject someone to a particular experience or series of events, often with a connotation of difficulty or endurance -- for example, "The team was put through a rigorous training process." This sense is relevant in contexts involving trials, challenges, or procedures. Additionally, it can imply successfully finalizing or arranging something, such as "The committee managed to put the proposal through." Overall, its adaptability allows it to remain a commonly employed phrase across various formal and informal scenarios.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To connect someone to another person or place on the telephone.
Can you put me through to Mr. Smith, please?
Hold on, I'll put you through to the department head now.
2. To cause someone to experience or endure something (often difficult or unpleasant).
She was put through a lot of stress during the trial.
The training program puts athletes through intense physical challenges.