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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
course thru
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "course thru" is not standard in written English; the correct form is "course through." You can use "course through" when describing the path or direction something takes, often in a metaphorical sense.
Example: "The river will course through the valley, shaping the landscape over time."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Earnest high livers throuout nation chomping ahead, course after course, thru best of food, gives impression of progress in some direction or other.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
How else do you think he earned his own hit NBC sitcom (Seinfeld) that literaly DOMINATED television sets across this great nation throughout the 1990s and left a mark that still courses thru the landscape of popular culture more powerfully than the mighty Missisippi?
News & Media
Now the drone with the depth-sensing camera flies itself (w/out human control) thru an obstacle course #ces2015 pic.twitter.com/frPV1RU9km.
News & Media
There had been photos of them together: shopping in Paris, studio press shots in Los Angeles, and, of course, the fast food drive thru in Los Feliz.
News & Media
One of the added extras of a Drive-Thru is, of course, that the car quickly begins to smell like the restaurant from which the food came.
News & Media
Largely unrecognized, Vonn won't walk the course but she plans to stay thru weekend — Bill M. Pennington (@billmpennington) 11 Apr 13 — JEFF BRADLEY Jim Furyk briefly grabs a share of the lead with a birdie on Number 6.
News & Media
The current course which costs $5 began Apr. 16 and will meet every Saturday thru May 28.
News & Media
For many it's seen as the marriage capital of the world, catering for couples who want anything from a classic white wedding to drive-thru nuptials, with an Elvis impersonator doing the honours of course.
News & Media
Plus, you would hold up the drive-thru line.
Wiki
Of course, like most surviving drive-in prototypes, McDonald's has long gone from drive-in to drive-thru.
News & Media
In the strict caste system of golf, holding this celebrated golf tournament at a public course is nothing short of revolutionary, tantamount to holding a royal wedding at the Port Authority bus station (drive-thru reception to follow at White Castle).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "course through" instead of "course thru" in formal writing. "Thru" is an abbreviation and is considered informal.
Common error
Avoid using "thru" in academic, professional, or formal writing. Always use the complete word "through" to maintain credibility and clarity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "course thru" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or progression. However, it's grammatically incorrect as 'thru' is an informal abbreviation. Ludwig indicates that the correct form is "course through".
Frequent in
News & Media
68%
Wiki
16%
Science
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "course thru" might be encountered in informal settings, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct and preferred form is "course through". According to Ludwig, "course thru" is non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing. Instead, consider alternative phrases such as "pass through" or "progress through". The use of "thru" is generally limited to informal contexts, as using the correct form, "through", ensures clarity and maintains credibility, particularly in professional, academic, or news-related writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
course through
Corrects the grammatical error by replacing 'thru' with the proper preposition 'through'.
pass through
Emphasizes the act of moving from one point to another, similar to going through a course.
progress through
Highlights the advancement or development that occurs while moving through a series of steps.
run through
Implies a swift and often rehearsed traversal, focusing on speed and efficiency.
navigate through
Suggests careful maneuvering and guidance to overcome obstacles within a course or process.
work through
Implies effort and problem-solving while advancing through a process or set of challenges.
go through
A general term for experiencing or enduring a process, emphasizing the experience itself.
move along
Focuses on the continuous motion and progression, often in a linear direction.
advance through
Highlights the forward movement and improvement as one goes through different stages.
proceed through
Emphasizes a deliberate and methodical progression, often following a predetermined plan.
FAQs
What's the correct way to write "course thru"?
The correct way to write the phrase is "course through". "Thru" is an informal abbreviation of "through" and is not suitable for formal writing.
When is it appropriate to use "thru" instead of "through"?
"Thru" is acceptable in informal contexts like casual texting, social media posts, or advertising where brevity is preferred. However, "through" is always the safer choice for clarity and correctness.
What does "course through" mean?
"Course through" means to flow or move along a particular path or channel. It can also mean to undergo or experience something.
Are there any synonyms for "course through"?
Yes, some synonyms for "course through" include "flow through", "pass through", and "run through", depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested