"Through" or "to" for expression of range



16-bit unsigned short integers that range from 0 through 0xFFFF


16-bit unsigned short integers that range from 0 to 0xFFFF



Which expression is better above?



Answer




  • In British English, through means 'up to' (Monday≤Opento means 'up to and including' (Monday≤Open≤Friday).

  • In Australian English, it's the other way around.

  • In US English, they're interchangeable. People seem to go the way of the Ausies naturally when they hear through in California, at least.


Therefore, the writer has precedence and may assign the intended meaning if he or she feels it is necessary.


Here are some alternatives: from x up to and including y; starting from x ending in/with y; from x, not exceeding y; from x through to y, inclusive.


If you consider through as short-form for "through to the beginning of" ("through non-inclusive" would make sense), it becomes apparent why British English seldom included y in 2011. However, if you look at through independently, "through to the end of", you could imagine time passing through the second object as a thread passes through a needle.


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