From the Brickyard | Subject: Can thru be included in our grammar arsenal?
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Ever notice that certain road and construction signs ditch through for the leaner, meaner thru?
That got me thinking: is thru actually a “real” word—or did sign makers just decide, “Eh, everyone will get it, and it saves three letters”?
After far too much digging (more than any sane person would do), I’ve got the verdict: thru is indeed legit…in certain situations.
Where you can use “thru” without the grammar police coming after you:
- Personal notes or messages – Texts, sticky notes, love letters. The people reading them will get your point. (Although a few grammar sticklers—myself included—might twitch.)
- Technical uses – Road signs, airport directions, computer code. Here, clarity beats style. Nobody’s grading your syntax when they’re trying to figure out if they can go thru.
Where “thru” is not advised:
- Formal writing – Emails to your boss, academic papers, job applications. Thru here feels sloppy, like wearing sweatpants to a wedding.
So, the safe play? Just use through everywhere unless you’ve got a specific, functional reason not to. Yeah, it’s three extra letters every time. Yeah, it’s mildly annoying. But it becomes automatic, and you’ll never get a passive-aggressive “correction” from some know-it-all.
Alright, I’m thru…I mean, through. 🤣
Word by word.
-Brickwall