US and UK English
through vs thru
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
Through is the standard spelling in ordinary and formal English. Thru is an informal American spelling used especially on signs, in names, and in messages.
Regional decision guide
Let register and official naming decide
The short form saves letters but does not save a syllable or change the spoken word.
Formal English worldwide
through
Standard spelling
Use through in edited prose, education, and professional communication.
Read through the agreement carefully.
Informal American English
thru
Signs and shorthand
Thru commonly appears in traffic signs, commercial labels, and brief messages.
Use the drive-thru after ten o’clock.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Both spellings can represent the same preposition, adverb, or adjective and are pronounced alike. Use through in school, business, academic, and international writing. Thru is useful when space is limited or when it belongs to an official label such as drive-thru, but it may look too informal elsewhere.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
through
preposition, adverb, or adjective
From one side or end to another, during a period, or completed.
US pronunciation
/θruː/
UK IPA
/θruː/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Begin with the unvoiced TH in “think,” move directly into R, and hold the long OO vowel.
Word 2
thru
informal spelling
An informal spelling of through, especially in American signs and names.
US pronunciation
/θruː/
UK IPA
/θruː/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Pronounce it exactly like through. The shortened spelling removes letters, not sounds.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
through
- We walked through the old market.
- The museum is open Monday through Friday.
- She read the report through twice.
Examples with
thru
- The drive-thru closes at midnight.
- Traffic will continue straight thru during construction.
- The sign directs trucks to the thru lane.