Are you confused about when to use “thru” or “through” in your writing? These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are actually some important differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “thru” and “through” and provide examples of when to use each one.
To help you better understand the differences between these two words, we’ll provide plenty of examples throughout the article. We’ll also include a comparison table to make it easy to see the differences at a glance. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of when to use “thru” and when to use “through” in your writing. So, let’s get started!
Thru vs. Through – Image
Thru vs. Through: What’s the Difference?
Definition of ‘Thru’
‘Thru’ is an informal spelling of the word ‘through’. It is commonly used in American English and is often seen as a shorthand or abbreviation of the longer word. ‘Thru’ is not considered a standard spelling and should be used only in informal writing or when referring to drive-throughs or drive-thrus.
Definition of ‘Through’
‘Through’ is a preposition, an adjective, and an adverb. It is the only formally accepted spelling of the word. ‘Through’ is used to indicate movement from one side of an object, place, or situation to the other side. It can also indicate completion or conclusion of an action or event. This is the standard word in the word ‘drive-through’.
Thru vs. Through: Differences
The main difference between ‘thru’ and ‘through’ is that ‘through’ is the standard spelling and should be used in formal writing, while ‘thru’ is more appropriate in informal writing and when referring to drive-throughs or drive-thrus.
Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between ‘thru’ and ‘through’:
| Sentence | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| I drove __ the tunnel. | through |
| I went __ the drive-thru. | thru |
| We made it __ the storm. | through |
| I walked __ the park. | through |
As you can see from the examples, ‘through’ is used in formal writing and when indicating movement from one side of an object, place, or situation to the other side. ‘Thru’ is used in informal writing and when referring to drive-throughs or drive-thrus.
Historical Usage
Evolution of ‘Thru’
The word ‘thru’ is an alternate spelling of ‘through’. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1800s. The use of ‘thru’ was initially limited to informal writing, such as in advertisements and signs for drive-thrus. As a result, it was not considered a proper spelling of the word ‘through’ and was not included in dictionaries.
However, the popularity of ‘thru’ continued to grow, and it eventually found its way into more formal writing. In the 1960s, the American Heritage Dictionary recognized ‘thru’ as an acceptable spelling of ‘through’, but only in certain contexts.
Today, ‘thru’ is still considered a more informal spelling of ‘through’ and is generally not used in formal writing. However, it is widely accepted in certain contexts, such as in signage, advertising, and informal communication.
Evolution of ‘Through’
The word ‘through’ has been in use in the English language for over a thousand years. It originated from the Old English word ‘thurh’ or ‘thruh’, which was pronounced the same way as the modern-day ‘through’.
Over time, the spelling of ‘through’ evolved to its current form, and it became one of the most commonly used words in the English language. Today, ‘through’ is used in a variety of contexts, including as a preposition, an adjective, and an adverb.
Despite the evolution of the spelling and usage of ‘through’, it has remained a fundamental part of the English language and is likely to continue to be so for many years to come.
Contextual Differences
Thru in Informal Writing
Thru is an informal spelling of the word through. It is commonly used in informal writing, such as text messages, social media posts, and emails. It is also used in advertising and signage, particularly in reference to drive-thru services. However, it is not considered acceptable in formal writing, such as academic papers, business correspondence, or legal documents.
Here are some examples of how to use thru in informal writing:
- I’ll meet u thru the back entrance.
- Drive-thru service available 24/7.
- Let’s go thru the park on our way home.
Through in Formal Writing
Through is the standard spelling of the word and is used in formal writing. It is considered more appropriate for use in academic papers, business correspondence, or legal documents. It is also used in everyday writing, such as novels, newspapers, and magazines.
Here are some examples of how to use through in formal writing:
- The research study will examine the effects of exercise on mental health through a series of surveys.
- The contract outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement through which the parties will conduct business.
- The novel takes the reader on a journey through the protagonist’s life story.
When in doubt, it is always best to use through in formal writing and reserve thru for informal writing or when referring to drive-thru services.
Thru vs. Through Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table to help you understand the differences between thru and through:
| Thru | Through |
|---|---|
| Informal spelling | Standard spelling |
| Used in informal writing and signage | Used in formal writing and everyday writing |
| Not acceptable in formal writing | More appropriate for use in formal writing |
| Often used in reference to drive-thru services | Not used in reference to drive-thru services |
| Example: I’ll meet u thru the back entrance. | Example: The research study will examine the effects of exercise on mental health through a series of surveys. |
Common Misconceptions
When it comes to the difference between “thru” and “through,” there are a few common misconceptions that we need to clear up. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Misconception #1: “Thru” and “through” can always be used interchangeably
While “thru” and “through” are often used interchangeably, they don’t always mean exactly the same thing. “Through” is more commonly used to indicate movement from one side of something to the other, while “thru” is more commonly used to indicate completion or going all the way through something.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference:
- We drove through the tunnel.
- We made it all the way thru the tunnel.
- The ball went through the hoop.
- The game is thru when the time runs out.
As you can see, while “through” and “thru” can be used in similar contexts, they don’t always convey the same meaning.
Misconception #2: “Thru” is always incorrect
While “through” is the only formally accepted spelling of the word, there are some cases where “thru” might be appropriate. For example, if you’re writing an informal blog post or social media update, using “thru” instead of “through” might be acceptable. However, in most formal writing contexts, it’s best to stick with “through.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between “thru” and “through” may seem small, but they are important to understand in order to use these words correctly in writing.
“Through” is the only formally accepted spelling of the word and should be used in most situations, especially in formal writing. On the other hand, “thru” is an alternate spelling that is more appropriate in informal writing or when referring to drive-throughs or drive-thrus.
It is important to note that while “thru” may be more modern, it is still considered non-standard American English and should be used with caution.
To summarize the differences between “thru” and “through”, refer to the following table:
| “Thru” | “Through” |
|---|---|
| Informal | Formal |
| Non-standard American English | Standard English |
| Refers to drive-throughs | Does not refer to drive-throughs |
| Should be used with caution | Should be used in most situations |
Remember, using the correct spelling can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived. So, take the time to choose the right word for the right situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘thru’ and ‘through’?
‘Thru’ and ‘through’ are two different spellings of the same word. ‘Through’ is the only formally accepted spelling of the word, while ‘thru’ is an alternate spelling that should be used only in informal writing or when referring to drive-throughs/drive-thrus.
How do you decide whether to use ‘thru’ or ‘through’?
In general, you should use ‘through’ in formal writing and ‘thru’ in informal writing or when referring to drive-throughs/drive-thrus. However, it is always best to follow the spelling conventions of the style guide or publication you are writing for.
Can ‘thru’ be used in formal writing?
No, ‘thru’ is not considered a formal spelling and should not be used in formal writing.
What is the origin of the word ‘thru’?
‘Thru’ is a non-standard American English spelling of the word ‘through’. It is believed to have originated as a shortened form of the word in the early 20th century.
Is ‘thru’ more commonly used in American English?
Yes, ‘thru’ is more commonly used in American English than in British English. However, it is still considered a non-standard spelling and should be used only in informal writing or when referring to drive-throughs/drive-thrus.
Are there any situations where ‘thru’ is preferred over ‘through’?
Yes, ‘thru’ is preferred over ‘through’ when referring to drive-throughs/drive-thrus. In informal writing, ‘thru’ can also be used to save space or for stylistic reasons. However, it is important to note that ‘thru’ is not considered a formal spelling and should not be used in formal writing.
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