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Thru vs. Through

Thru

A simplification of 'through', often used in informal writing or messaging

Examples:

Went thru a lot to get this done in time.Drive-thru lines are shorter in the afternoon.Looking thru the telescope, she marveled at the stars.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Through

/θruː/

Moving in one end and out of the other side or surface of something

Examples:

We walked through the park.She read the book through the night.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

Thru is an informal and shortened version of through.
Use through in formal writing, such as essays, reports, or articles.
Thru might be seen on signs, like drive-thru or walk-thru, where space is limited.
Remember that thru is widely accepted in American informal writing, but might not be understood in British English.
If in doubt and formality is needed, always go with through.

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