It’s through love and forgiveness

[ringu20]

"There’s only one way to end this cycle of hatred, and it’s through love and forgiveness.”


I don't understand the function of 'through' in the sentence. I'm wondering if we can also use 'with' instead of 'through' in this sentence?

 

[jutfrank]

Well, with certainly makes a bit more sense, but that's not to say that through doesn't. It's just that the meaning is different.

There quite obviously was a reason for the speaker to use through, but I think this is a case where we'll never know what the reason was without a) sufficient context, or b) asking the speaker.

 

[teechar]

I don't understand the function of 'through' in the sentence.

In that sentence, "through" means by means of (or roughly by using). Take a look at entry #4 for "through" as a preposition in the following link.

https://www.lexico.com/definition/through

 

[ringu20]

I hope this is a sufficient context for you to figure out the function of 'through'.

A: When your village was destroyed, you were infected with bloodlust. But you overcame it!

B: I was lucky. I saw what I’d become, and I was able to turn around. But if something happened to Mother or you, I might do just the same.

A: No-no look, you promise me. If something happens to me, you will not become a monster. There’s only one way to end this cycle of hatred, and it’s through love and forgiveness.

 

[Rover_KE]

Please tell us the source and author of this text, ringu.