thru
Thru is a non-standard, informal spelling of the word "through." It is primarily used in American English, often in contexts where brevity is desired, such as in signs, advertisements, or informal writing. It functions as a preposition, adverb, or adjective, carrying the same meanings as "through."
Preposition:
- From one side to the other: Indicating movement or passage from one end, side, or point to another.
- By means of: Indicating the method or medium of an action.
- During the entire period of: Indicating duration from beginning to end.
Adverb:
- From beginning to end: Completing an action or process.
- To a successful conclusion: Indicating completion or success.
Adjective:
- Finished or completed: Having reached the end of an activity or process.
- Direct: In transportation, referring to a journey without stops or transfers.
Preposition:
- We drove thru the tunnel to reach the other side. (From one side to the other.)
- She sent the message thru email. (By means of email.)
- He worked thru the night to finish the project. (During the entire period of the night.)
Adverb:
- She read the book thru in one sitting. (From beginning to end.)
- The plan went thru without any issues. (To a successful conclusion; meaning "through" as in approved or completed.)
Adjective:
- I'm thru with this job; I quit. (Finished or completed; meaning "through" as in no longer involved.)
- Is this a thru train to Boston? (Direct, without transfers.)
"Thru" in signage: Often used on road signs to indicate a route that goes directly through an area without requiring a detour.
- Thru traffic keep left. (Vehicles going directly through the area should stay in the left lane.)
"Thru" in informal writing: Common in personal notes, text messages, or casual correspondence.
- See you after I'm thru with my chores. (After I have finished.)
Through (standard spelling): The formal and preferred spelling in most contexts.
- We walked through the park. (The standard form.)
Thruway (n): A highway designed for high-speed traffic, often with controlled access (a compound word using "thru").
- The New York State Thruway is a major toll road. (A highway that goes through the state.)
Across: From one side to the other (preposition).
- We walked across the bridge. (Similar to "thru" in spatial sense.)
Via: By way of; by means of (preposition).
- She contacted him via phone. (Similar to "thru" in method.)
Done: Finished or completed (adjective).
- The project is done. (Similar to "thru" as adjective meaning finished.)
Go thru: To experience or undergo something.
- He went thru a lot of hardship. (He experienced a lot of difficulty.)
Get thru: To successfully reach someone by phone or to complete a task.
- I couldn't get thru to her because the line was busy. (I couldn't reach her by phone.)
Thick and thin: Through all difficulties (using "through" in its standard form).
- They stayed together thru thick and thin. (They remained loyal during good and bad times.)
Thru the grapevine: Learning information indirectly through gossip (using "through" in its standard form).
- I heard about the promotion thru the grapevine. (I heard through informal channels.)