Ever caught yourself staring at a sentence like a detective at a crime scene, wondering, “Thus far vs so far—which one fits here?” You’re not alone. Writers, students, and even native speakers freeze mid-typing when thus far vs so far shows up. It’s like choosing between wearing a tuxedo or sweatpants to a Zoom call—both technically fine, but tone matters. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the difference between thus far and so far, know when to use thus far vs so far in professional reports or casual emails, and even feel confident saying thus far vs so far out loud without hesitation.
Why “Thus Far” and “So Far” Confuse So Many Writers
At first glance, these phrases feel interchangeable. Both mean up to this point or until now. That overlap causes confusion.
The problem isn’t grammar. It’s tone in English writing.
English has levels of formality. Some phrases sound academic. Others sound conversational. When writers ignore that difference, sentences feel off even when they’re correct.
Compare these two sentences:
- “The project has been successful so far.”
- “The project has been successful thus far.”
Both are right. Yet they feel different. One sounds natural in conversation. The other sounds like it belongs in a report.
Understanding that distinction instantly improves sentence clarity.
The Shared Meaning Behind Both Phrases
Before separating them, it helps to understand what they share.
Both thus far and so far express:
- Progress up to now
- A time span that started in the past and continues to the present
- An unfinished situation
This makes them common progress expressions in English.
They often appear with the present perfect tense, which connects past actions to the present moment.
Examples:
- “We have tested five models so far.”
- “We have tested five models thus far.”
The up to this point meaning stays the same. What changes is the formality level and the emotional feel of the sentence.
What Does “Thus Far” Mean?
Let’s look closely at thus far meaning.
Clear Definition of “Thus Far”
Thus far means up to this point in time, with a formal and measured tone. The word “thus” adds a sense of logic and structure. It sounds deliberate and controlled.
In simple terms:
- It summarizes progress.
- It avoids emotion.
- It sounds objective.
That’s why it appears so often in formal English expressions.
Tone and Register of “Thus Far”
“Thus far” fits best in writing that values precision over warmth.
Common settings include:
- Academic papers
- Research summaries
- Legal documents
- Professional evaluations
- Technical reports
It aligns closely with academic writing vocabulary and a serious professional writing style.
Readers subconsciously associate it with authority and distance.
Thus Far in a Sentence
Here are realistic examples of thus far in a sentence:
- “The study has shown consistent results thus far.”
- “No safety concerns have been identified thus far.”
- “The strategy has proven effective thus far.”
Each sentence sounds calm and factual. None sound conversational.
Is “Thus Far” Outdated?
No. It’s not outdated. It’s selective.
It survives because it serves a specific role in written English, especially in academic and professional contexts. It just doesn’t belong in casual conversation.
What Does “So Far” Mean?
Now let’s shift to the more common phrase.
Clear Definition of “So Far”
So far also means up to now or until this point. Unlike “thus far,” it feels relaxed and natural.
It’s the phrase people actually say out loud.
That’s why so far meaning feels familiar and flexible.
Tone and Register of “So Far”
“So far” fits smoothly into:
- Spoken English
- Everyday writing
- Emails
- Blogs
- Informal reports
- Storytelling
It reflects casual English expressions and modern communication habits.
This phrase thrives in everyday English usage.
So Far in a Sentence
Examples of so far in a sentence:
- “Everything looks good so far.”
- “I haven’t had any issues so far.”
- “The plan seems solid so far.”
These sentences sound natural because they mirror real speech.
Is “So Far” Informal?
Yes, but informal doesn’t mean unprofessional.
“So far” works well in many professional contexts, especially when communication is friendly or internal. It just doesn’t carry the same formal weight as “thus far.”
Thus Far vs So Far: Side-by-Side Comparison
Seeing the difference clearly helps lock it in.
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | Up to this point | Up to this point |
| Tone | Formal, reserved | Casual, natural |
| Register in English grammar | Formal | Informal to neutral |
| Spoken English | Rare | Very common |
| Academic context | Common | Rare |
| Professional context | Formal documents | Emails, updates |
| Conversational use | Awkward | Natural |
This table highlights the real difference between thus far and so far beyond grammar rules.
Deem Fit Meaning Usage and Real Life Examples
Linguistic Roots and Historical Usage
Understanding history explains tone.
Historical Usage of “Thus Far”
The word “thus” comes from older English forms that emphasized logic and sequence. Over time, it became tied to explanation and formal reasoning.
That history explains why thus far feels analytical and structured. It belongs to a group of historical English phrases that stayed in formal writing.
Historical Usage of “So Far”
“So” evolved through spoken language. It became a connector, a softener, and a way to keep speech flowing.
That conversational origin explains why so far dominates modern English usage, especially in American English and British English speech.
Usage in Modern English: What Sounds Right Today
Meaning doesn’t decide usage alone. Context does.
Usage of Thus Far in Modern Writing
Use thus far when writing needs distance and objectivity.
It works best in:
- Academic research
- Performance reviews
- Legal summaries
- Formal progress reports
Example:
“No conflicting evidence has emerged thus far.”
The sentence sounds deliberate and neutral.
When “Thus Far” Sounds Wrong
Avoid “thus far” in:
- Casual emails
- Conversations
- Marketing copy
- Personal blogs
Saying “I’m enjoying the conference thus far” sounds unnatural to most native speakers.
Usage of So Far in Modern English
“So far” works naturally in:
- Casual conversation
- Team communication
- Presentations
- Articles written for general audiences
Example:
“The new system is working well so far.”
Clear. Friendly. Natural.
BD Meaning in Text 📱 The Complete Guide
Academic vs Conversational English: Choosing the Right Phrase
This choice often comes down to academic vs conversational English.
Academic Context
Academic writing values neutrality and structure. That’s why thus far appears frequently.
Example:
- “The data supports the hypothesis thus far.”
Conversational Context
Conversation values flow and warmth. That’s why so far dominates speech.
Example:
- “Everything’s fine so far.”
Matching phrase to context prevents tone mismatches.
Grammar and Sentence Placement
Placement affects rhythm.
Common Placement Patterns
Both phrases usually appear:
- Near the end of a sentence
- After the main verb
Examples:
- “The team has met all targets so far.”
- “The team has met all targets thus far.”
Verb Tenses That Work Best
They pair naturally with:
- Present perfect
- Present perfect continuous
This pairing reinforces their role as progress expressions in English.
Related Expressions and Variations
English offers alternatives when repetition becomes an issue.
“Thus Far and No Further”
This phrase adds firmness and finality.
Example:
- “The policy applies thus far and no further.”
It signals a clear boundary.
Alternatives to “Thus Far”
Formal alternatives include:
- Up to this point
- To date
- As of now
These maintain a professional tone.
Alternatives to “So Far”
Casual alternatives include:
- Until now
- Up till now
- As yet
These fit naturally into everyday speech.
Spoilt vs Spoiled Mastering Their Unique Uses and Meanings
Common Mistakes Writers Make
Even experienced writers slip here.
Mistake One: Using “Thus Far” to Sound Smarter
Choosing formality over fit often backfires. Readers sense forced tone quickly.
Mistake Two: Mixing Formal and Casual Registers
Example of a poor mix:
- “The results look promising so far, thus far showing improvement.”
The sentence feels confused because the register clashes.
Mistake Three: Overusing Either Phrase
Sometimes variety improves clarity. Switching to a synonym can improve flow and sentence tone.
Case Studies: Real Usage in Context
Case Study One: Academic Writing
Sentence:
- “The experiment has produced stable outcomes thus far.”
Why it works:
- Objective tone
- Clear academic context
- Matches formal expectations
Case Study Two: Workplace Update
Sentence:
- “Everything’s running smoothly so far.”
Why it works:
- Friendly tone
- Efficient communication
- Fits professional but casual context
Case Study Three: Blog Content
Sentence:
- “I’ve tested three options so far, and each has pros and cons.”
Why it works:
- Conversational rhythm
- Reader-friendly flow
- Matches modern blog style
Quick Decision Guide
When stuck between thus far vs so far, ask yourself:
- Is the writing formal and analytical?
- Choose thus far
- Is the writing conversational or reader-focused?
- Choose so far
Another simple rule:
- If you’d say it out loud, use so far.
Reference: Cambridge Dictionary Definitions
Here’s a trusted source for clear word meanings:
FAQs
Is thus far the same as so far?
No, they are not exactly the same. Both phrases mean progress up to the present, but thus far is formal and often used in academic or professional writing, while so far is casual and common in everyday conversation. Tone and context determine which one fits best.
How do you use “thus far” in a sentence?
Here are some examples of thus far in a sentence:
- “The study has produced consistent results thus far.”
- “No errors have been reported thus far.”
- “The project has been successful thus far.”
It usually appears in formal contexts to summarize progress or results.
What’s the difference between thus and so?
Thus emphasizes logic, sequence, or a formal conclusion and is often used in formal writing.
So is more casual, commonly used in conversation, and can show cause, effect, or progression. Example:
- Formal: “The experiment failed, thus additional tests are required.”
- Casual: “It rained all night, so the match was canceled.”
What is the difference between so far and by far?
So far refers to progress up to this moment (e.g., “So far, everything is fine”).
By far emphasizes a degree or extent, often used for comparison (e.g., “She is by far the fastest runner on the team”). They serve completely different functions in a sentence.
conclusion
In the battle of thus far vs so far, there’s no winner just context. One wears a suit and reports to the boardroom, the other shows up in jeans, ready to chat over coffee. Using the wrong one can make your sentence stumble like a sleepy Monday morning, but choosing wisely makes your writing sound polished or perfectly casual. Remember, both phrases mean progress up to now, but tone is everything. So next time you pause mid-sentence, ask yourself: formal report or friendly update? Pick your phrase, own your sentence, and let your words flow like a confident English speaker with a touch of humor, of course.
JHON AJS is an experienced blogger and the creative voice behind the website grammarorbit.com, namely Grammar Orbit. With a keen eye for language and a passion for wordplay, he creates engaging grammar insights, word meanings, and clever content that make learning English enjoyable and interesting for readers.
