I've been told that in American English, sometimes words ending in -ough are written -u: for example thru instead of through.
Is this correct English, or is it simply a common error?
If it is correct, what are the rules for this spelling?
Answer
"Thru" is correct (however very informal, not a very good idea, and only used when space is at a real premium — e.g. road signs, technical drawings) English, but -u is not a shortened way of -ough except in words that derivate from through (e.g. breakthrough).
From memory, I can recall although, enough etc. where -ough can't be replaced by -u (althu, enu etc.), since in those words -ough doesn't have a /u/ sound. (However, although can be shortened to altho, as noted in a comment — however, Wiktionary and other dictionaries register it, noting that it's quite informal.)
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