通过 (tōng guò) has several related senses. As a verb it means to pass through physically, to pass an exam or test, or (in legislative contexts) to pass a motion or bill. As a preposition it means by means of or through: 通过练习 (through practice), 通过朋友认识 (get to know through a friend). The preposition use is very common and appears wherever English would use by or through to introduce a method.