Thus Far vs. So Far becomes easier to understand when you look beyond strict grammar correctness and focus on tone, context, and audience expectations.
At first glance, these small phrases look almost identical because they carry exactly the same thing: up to this point, until now, or up to this point in time. However, so far feels more natural in everyday speech, everyday conversation, casual emails, and Zoom calls, while thus far sounds more polished and professional in formal writing, academic contexts, a research paper, a report, professional reports, business writing, presentations, and academic English.
Thus Far vs. So Far mainly differs in tone, context, and how your audience expects the phrase to sound in real communication. I’ve noticed that writers, students, native speakers, and advanced English users sometimes freeze mid-typing when these words show up in a sentence. You might feel like a detective at a crime scene, wondering which phrase fits, but you’re not alone. Choosing between them is like wearing a tuxedo or sweatpants: both are technically fine, but tone matters. Once you understand the difference, you can feel confident saying the right phrase out loud without hesitation.
The phrase thus far remains timeless because it bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. English is a fascinating, sometimes tricky language that constantly evolves, yet it maintains its roots through dusty books, historical dramas, and old-timey expressions. Through this lens, its etymology, cultural shift, longevity, and lexical choice show how older expressions can coexist with modern English in today’s fast-paced, emoji-filled world. Thus far can add clarity, precision, nuance, semantic depth, and a confident touch to communication, while so far offers fluency, familiarity, and context-driven flexibility.
Quick Answer: Thus Far vs. So Far
Thus far and so far generally have the same core meaning: up to this point, until now, or up to the present time.
The main difference is tone.
- So far is neutral, common, and natural in everyday English.
- Thus far is more formal, literary, or academic in tone.
- Both can describe progress, results, experiences, or situations continuing into the present.
- Both commonly appear with the present perfect tense.
- So far usually sounds more natural in conversation.
- Thus far can fit formal reports, academic writing, and analytical prose.
- Neither expression is grammatically superior to the other.
Consider these two sentences:
“So far, the project has gone well.”
“Thus far, the project has gone well.”
The basic information remains the same. The second sentence simply sounds more formal.
A useful rule is simple: use “so far” for ordinary communication and “thus far” when a more formal register fits the situation.
What Does “Thus Far” Mean?
Thus far means “up to this point” or “until now.” It describes something that has happened, remained true, or developed from an earlier point through the present.
For example:
“Thus far, the investigation has uncovered three major errors.”
This means the investigation has uncovered three major errors up to the present stage.
The expression contains two words with older grammatical roots. Thus can mean “in this way,” but in expressions such as thus far, it points to the situation or point reached at the present time. Far refers metaphorically to how much progress has been made along a process or period.
Examples of “Thus Far”
- “Thus far, the evidence supports the original theory.”
- “No serious problems have appeared thus far.”
- “The team has completed four stages thus far.”
- “Thus far, customers have responded positively.”
- “The treatment has produced encouraging results thus far.”
Notice that these sentences often discuss progress, evidence, results, or evaluation. Those subjects naturally occur in formal writing, which helps explain why thus far often feels more formal.
However, there’s nothing grammatically wrong with using it in casual conversation. It simply may sound a little stiff.
“Thus far, I’ve had a pretty good day.”
That sentence is correct. Still, most speakers would probably say:
“So far, I’ve had a pretty good day.”
The meaning doesn’t change. The conversational feel does.
What Does “So Far” Mean?
So far also means “up to this point” or “until now.” It’s one of the most common ways to describe something that has happened during an unfinished period.
For example:
“So far, we’ve received ten applications.”
The sentence tells readers that ten applications have arrived up to the present point. More applications may arrive later.
You can use so far in conversation, emails, articles, workplace communication, school assignments, and many other settings.
Examples of “So Far”
- “So far, everything looks good.”
- “I’ve read three chapters so far.”
- “So far, nobody has complained.”
- “We’ve spent $500 so far.”
- “How’s your new job going so far?”
- “The movie has been surprisingly good so far.”
This flexibility makes so far the safer choice when you’re unsure.
It doesn’t sound excessively casual. It doesn’t sound overly formal. It sits comfortably in the middle.
Thus Far vs. So Far: Key Difference
The biggest difference between thus far vs. so far isn’t basic meaning. It’s register, which means the level of formality associated with particular language.
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
| Basic meaning | Up to this point | Up to this point |
| Tone | Formal or polished | Neutral and conversational |
| Everyday speech | Less common | Very common |
| Academic writing | Natural in formal contexts | Also completely acceptable |
| Business writing | Useful in formal reports | Common in ordinary workplace writing |
| Text messages | Unusual | Natural |
| Describing progress | Yes | Yes |
| Describing results | Yes | Yes |
| Grammatically correct | Yes | Yes |
| Best default choice | Formal contexts | Most general contexts |
The distinction becomes clearer when you imagine two different speakers.
A scientist might write:
“Thus far, the available evidence has failed to establish a causal relationship.”
A colleague might write:
“So far, the evidence hasn’t shown a clear connection.”
Both communicate the same broad idea. The first sounds more formal and analytical. The second sounds more direct.
The Important Point
Don’t assume that thus far is the “correct” version while so far is an inferior alternative.
That’s a common misunderstanding.
Both are standard English expressions. The choice depends mainly on the context and the tone you want.
When to Use “Thus Far”
Thus far works particularly well when your writing discusses formal processes, evidence, findings, progress, or conclusions.
In Academic Writing
Academic writing often needs a measured and formal tone. Thus far can fit naturally in that environment.
For example:
“Thus far, researchers have identified several factors that influence the outcome.”
It can also introduce a limitation:
“Thus far, available studies have not produced consistent results.”
That phrasing sounds appropriate in research discussions because the writer is describing the current state of knowledge.
However, don’t force thus far into every academic sentence. Academic writing doesn’t require unnecessarily formal vocabulary.
Compare:
“Thus far, the study has found three significant patterns.”
with:
“So far, the study has found three significant patterns.”
Both are acceptable. The second is simply more straightforward.
In Formal Reports
Formal reports often use thus far when summarizing progress.
For example:
“Thus far, the department has completed 72% of the planned inspections.”
This works especially well when the surrounding language already has a formal register.
You might also see:
- results thus far
- findings thus far
- evidence gathered thus far
- progress made thus far
- information available thus far
- developments thus far
These combinations are useful because they describe an ongoing process without implying that the process has ended.
When Discussing Evidence
Thus far frequently works when the writer wants to summarize evidence available at a particular stage.
“The evidence gathered thus far suggests that the policy has reduced processing times.”
The phrase signals that the evidence is not necessarily complete. More information could change the conclusion.
That’s an important nuance in analytical writing.
When to Use “So Far”
So far works almost everywhere. That’s its biggest advantage.
In Everyday Conversation
If you’re talking with friends, family, classmates, or coworkers, so far will usually sound natural.
For example:
“How’s the new apartment?”
“So far, I love it.”
Nobody needs a more formal phrase there.
You could say:
“Thus far, I love it.”
It’s grammatically fine. It just sounds unusually formal for an ordinary conversation.
In Emails and Messages
So far is also excellent for ordinary professional communication.
For example:
“So far, we’ve received six responses from customers.”
Or:
“The new process has worked well so far.”
These sentences are professional without sounding unnecessarily formal.
In Questions
So far appears naturally in questions about ongoing experiences.
Examples include:
- “How’s the course going so far?”
- “What do you think of the book so far?”
- “How many people have signed up so far?”
- “Have you enjoyed the trip so far?”
Using thus far in these questions would usually sound more formal than necessary.
Are “Thus Far” and “So Far” Interchangeable?
In many sentences, thus far and so far can replace each other without changing the central meaning.
Consider:
“Thus far, the plan has worked.”
“So far, the plan has worked.”
Both mean the plan has worked up to the present point.
Another pair:
“No major problems have occurred thus far.”
“No major problems have occurred so far.”
Again, the meaning remains essentially unchanged.
The difference is stylistic.
When Substitution Works
You can usually substitute one phrase for the other when you’re talking about:
- Progress
- Results
- Experiences
- Events
- Evidence
- Performance
- Numbers accumulated up to now
- Something that remains true at present
When “So Far” Sounds Better
If the sentence belongs in casual conversation, so far usually wins.
“So far, this pizza is amazing.”
Thus far, this pizza is amazing isn’t wrong. It sounds like the pizza has wandered into a legal document.
That’s the kind of context where register matters.
Thus Far vs. So Far in Different Contexts
Context often determines which expression feels most natural.
Academic Writing
Both expressions work in academic writing.
Thus far can suit a formal research style:
“Thus far, studies have produced mixed findings.”
So far can make the same idea more direct:
“So far, studies have produced mixed findings.”
Neither sentence contains a grammatical error.
Workplace Communication
The choice depends on the type of communication.
A formal report might say:
“Thus far, the implementation process has remained on schedule.”
A regular team email might say:
“So far, the implementation process is on schedule.”
The second version is often clearer and less ceremonious.
Everyday Conversation
Use so far in most casual conversations.
“I’ve watched four episodes so far.”
“So far, the weather has been great.”
“Everything’s going well so far.”
These sound natural and effortless.
Formal Reports
Thus far can work especially well in formal summaries.
“The review has identified 14 areas requiring further assessment thus far.”
Still, don’t use it merely to make writing look sophisticated. Good formal writing values precision over fancy wording.
Thus Far vs. So Far in Social Media and Texting
Texting favors so far because people generally choose shorter, familiar expressions.
You might write:
“Best vacation so far!”
or:
“So far, this is my favorite.”
Using thus far in a social media caption can create a deliberately formal or humorous effect:
“Thus far, the vacation has been rather splendid.”
That can be funny precisely because it sounds formal.
So, while thus far isn’t incorrect in informal settings, so far is usually the natural choice.
Grammar of “Thus Far” and “So Far”
Both thus far and so far function as adverbial expressions. They provide information about when or how far something has progressed.
They commonly modify a verb phrase.
“We have completed five lessons so far.”
Here, so far tells us the point reached in the ongoing process.
Similarly:
“We have completed five lessons thus far.”
Beginning of a Sentence
Both phrases can appear at the beginning.
“So far, the results look promising.”
“Thus far, the results look promising.”
A comma commonly follows the introductory phrase when it helps separate it clearly from the main clause.
End of a Sentence
Both can also appear at the end.
“We’ve completed five chapters so far.”
“We’ve completed five chapters thus far.”
The end position is particularly natural with so far.
In the Middle of a Sentence
The expressions can also occur in the middle when the sentence structure supports them.
“The results so far suggest that the strategy is working.”
“The results thus far suggest that the strategy is working.”
The noun phrase results thus far has a distinctly formal feel.
Thus Far vs. So Far With Verb Tenses
These expressions often occur with the present perfect tense because they describe a period that began in the past and continues to the present.
For example:
“I have read five chapters so far.”
The reading happened before now, but the overall activity may continue.
Likewise:
“The company has received 2,000 applications thus far.”
The company may receive additional applications later.
Present Perfect Examples
| Expression | Example |
| So far | “We have completed six tasks so far.” |
| Thus far | “We have completed six tasks thus far.” |
| So far | “She has answered 20 questions so far.” |
| Thus far | “She has answered 20 questions thus far.” |
| So far | “They haven’t found a solution so far.” |
| Thus far | “They haven’t found a solution thus far.” |
The present perfect isn’t mandatory in every sentence, though. English speakers use these expressions with other structures when the context allows it.
For example:
“So far, everything looks fine.”
Here, looks uses the present simple because the phrase describes the current state.
Why “So Far” Often Sounds More Natural
There’s a simple reason so far appears comfortably in almost every kind of communication: it’s a familiar, compact expression.
English speakers frequently choose common words when a simple phrase communicates the idea perfectly.
Compare:
“The event has been successful so far.”
with:
“The event has been successful thus far.”
The second sentence has a more formal flavor. The first feels relaxed and direct.
That doesn’t make thus far wrong. It simply means that so far has a wider conversational range.
Think of it this way:
So far is your everyday jacket. Thus far is the blazer you wear when the room calls for it.
Why “Thus Far” Sounds More Formal
The word thus itself has a formal flavor in modern English. You may encounter it in phrases such as:
- thus demonstrating
- thus resulting in
- thus far
- thus allowing
- thus confirming
Because thus appears frequently in formal, academic, legal, and literary prose, thus far inherits some of that tone.
For example:
“The findings thus far indicate a meaningful relationship between the two variables.”
That sentence sounds appropriate in an academic discussion.
In everyday speech, however, most people would likely say:
“The findings so far show a meaningful relationship between the two variables.”
The second sentence isn’t less intelligent. It’s simply more direct.
Read More: Full Proof or Foolproof: Which One Is Correct?
Common Mistakes With Thus Far and So Far
Mistake: Thinking “Thus Far” Is More Correct
This is the biggest misconception.
Thus far isn’t grammatically better than so far.
Both are established English expressions. The choice depends on the intended tone.
Mistake: Assuming “So Far” Is Too Informal for Professional Writing
It isn’t.
For example:
“So far, the project remains on schedule.”
That’s perfectly suitable for many professional situations.
A formal report might prefer thus far, but that preference doesn’t make so far incorrect.
Mistake: Using “Thus Far” Everywhere
Formal language can become awkward when you force it into casual contexts.
Instead of:
“Thus far, I’ve had a wonderful morning.”
Most people would naturally say:
“So far, I’ve had a great morning.”
Mistake: Confusing “So Far” With Other Uses of “So”
In so far, the two words work together as an adverbial expression meaning up to this point.
Compare that with:
“The movie was so good.”
Here, so intensifies the adjective good.
The meanings aren’t related in the same way.
Mistake: Ignoring the Time Frame
Both expressions generally point toward a period extending to the present.
“We’ve sold 400 units so far.”
This suggests the sales period is still relevant or ongoing.
If you’re talking about a completely finished historical period, another expression may work better.
Thus Far vs. So Far vs. Until Now vs. Up to Now
Several English expressions communicate a similar idea. However, they aren’t always identical in tone or emphasis.
| Expression | Core Meaning | Typical Tone | Example |
| Thus far | Up to this point | Formal | “Thus far, the evidence is encouraging.” |
| So far | Up to this point | Neutral | “So far, the evidence is encouraging.” |
| Until now | Up to the present | Neutral | “Until now, we hadn’t seen this problem.” |
| Up to now | Up to the present | Neutral | “Up to now, everything has worked.” |
“Until Now” Can Signal a Change
Until now often carries an additional sense of contrast.
“Until now, the system had worked without problems.”
This suggests that something has changed.
The speaker may be about to explain the new problem.
By comparison:
“So far, the system has worked without problems.”
This focuses on the record up to the present without necessarily highlighting a change.
“Up to Now” Is Also Neutral
Up to now closely resembles so far.
“Up to now, we’ve had no serious complaints.”
It’s correct and clear, although so far often sounds more compact.
Thus Far vs. So Far: Formality and Register
Understanding register makes this entire distinction easier.
Register refers to the language style appropriate for a particular audience or situation.
For example:
- A text message often uses casual language.
- A business report may use professional language.
- A research paper usually uses formal language.
- A legal document can use highly specialized language.
Neither thus far nor so far belongs exclusively to one register. Instead, they occupy different points on the formality spectrum.
A Practical Register Guide
Most conversational:
“So far, so good.”
Neutral professional:
“So far, the project is progressing well.”
More formal:
“Thus far, the project has progressed according to schedule.”
All three are understandable. The third simply creates a more formal impression.
Case Study: Choosing the Right Phrase in Business Writing
Imagine a company reviewing a new customer-support system after three months.
A formal quarterly report might state:
“Thus far, the system has reduced average response times by 18%.”
The sentence sounds suitable for an executive report.
An internal team email might say:
“So far, the system has reduced response times by 18%.”
The second version is more conversational while retaining the same factual information.
The important information is the 18% reduction. The phrase merely frames the time period.
This illustrates a useful writing principle: don’t confuse formality with quality. Strong writing chooses the clearest expression that suits the audience.
Case Study: Academic Research
Suppose researchers have reviewed existing studies about a particular treatment.
A formal literature review could say:
“Thus far, published studies have reported inconsistent outcomes.”
That wording fits the academic register.
A less formal explanation might say:
“So far, published studies have reported inconsistent outcomes.”
The second sentence remains grammatically sound.
If the article targets a broad audience, so far may actually improve readability because readers don’t have to process a more formal expression.
Case Study: Everyday Conversation
Imagine someone asking about your first week at a new job.
Natural response:
“So far, it’s been great. Everyone’s been really helpful.”
Using thus far would change the social feel:
“Thus far, it’s been great. Everyone’s been really helpful.”
Nothing is grammatically wrong. Still, it sounds unusually polished for casual conversation.
That’s why native-like word choice depends on more than grammar. Context matters.
Examples of Thus Far vs. So Far
Work
Thus far:
“Thus far, the team has met every deadline.”
So far:
“So far, the team has met every deadline.”
Both are correct. The first sounds more formal.
School
Thus far:
“Thus far, the course has covered four major topics.”
So far:
“So far, the course has covered four major topics.”
Both work well.
Travel
Thus far:
“Thus far, the trip has exceeded our expectations.”
So far:
“So far, the trip has exceeded our expectations.”
The second sounds more natural in casual travel conversation.
Shopping
Thus far:
“Thus far, the store has sold 300 units.”
So far:
“So far, the store has sold 300 units.”
Again, the meaning remains essentially the same.
Personal Experience
Thus far:
“Thus far, I’ve enjoyed the experience.”
So far:
“So far, I’ve enjoyed the experience.”
The second version sounds more natural for most personal conversations.
Phrases Commonly Used With “Thus Far”
Certain combinations naturally fit formal writing.
“Evidence Thus Far”
“The evidence thus far doesn’t establish a direct link.”
“Results Thus Far”
“The results thus far remain encouraging.”
“Findings Thus Far”
“The findings thus far support the proposed explanation.”
“Progress Thus Far”
“The progress thus far has exceeded expectations.”
“Information Thus Far”
“The information available thus far remains incomplete.”
These combinations are especially useful in reports, research papers, evaluations, and formal analysis.
Phrases Commonly Used With “So Far”
So far pairs naturally with ordinary experiences and ongoing activities.
- so far this year
- so far today
- so far this week
- so far this month
- so far in the project
- so far in the course
- so far in the season
- so far in the process
Examples:
“We’ve received 50 orders so far this month.”
“How’s the new course going so far?”
“So far this year, sales have increased.”
These constructions sound natural because so far easily fits everyday speech.
How to Choose Between Thus Far and So Far
When you’re unsure, ask three quick questions.
Is the situation casual?
If yes, choose so far.
“So far, I’m loving the new phone.”
Is the writing formal?
If yes, thus far may fit better.
“Thus far, the available evidence supports the proposed conclusion.”
Would a normal speaker naturally say “thus far”?
If the answer feels like no, so far is probably better.
There’s no prize for making a simple sentence sound ceremonial.
Memory Trick for Thus Far vs. So Far
Use this easy distinction:
So far = simple and everyday.
Thus far = formal and polished.
Both point toward the same idea: up to this point.
If you’re texting a friend, start with so far. If you’re writing a formal research report, consider thus far when it matches the surrounding style.
Thus Far vs. So Far: Quick Comparison Examples
| Situation | Better Natural Choice | Example |
| Texting a friend | So far | “So far, the trip is awesome.” |
| Casual conversation | So far | “So far, I’ve read two chapters.” |
| Team email | So far | “So far, we’ve received eight replies.” |
| Academic paper | Thus far / So far | “Thus far, studies have produced mixed results.” |
| Research report | Thus far | “Thus far, the evidence remains limited.” |
| Formal business report | Thus far | “Thus far, performance has exceeded projections.” |
| Social media | So far | “Best meal so far!” |
| Literary writing | Thus far | “Thus far, his journey had taken him across three states.” |
The table shows why there isn’t one universal winner. The audience and purpose determine the best fit.
Is “Thus Far” Outdated?
No. Thus far remains a standard English expression.
It may sound formal or somewhat literary compared with so far, especially in casual American conversation. However, formal writing still uses it naturally when the context supports that register.
You may encounter it in:
- Academic articles
- Formal reports
- Professional analysis
- Editorial writing
- Literary prose
- Research discussions
- Official statements
Its lower frequency in casual speech doesn’t make it obsolete.
Is “So Far” Professional?
Yes.
There’s no rule requiring professional writers to replace so far with thus far.
For example:
“So far, the results are consistent with our expectations.”
That’s professional, clear, and grammatically sound.
Changing it to:
“Thus far, the results are consistent with our expectations.”
makes the sentence somewhat more formal. It doesn’t automatically make the writing better.
Professional writing should prioritize clarity, accuracy, and audience awareness over unnecessary formality.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between thus far and so far?
Thus far and so far generally have the same meaning: up to this point or until now. The main difference is tone. So far sounds more natural in everyday conversation, while thus far feels more formal and professional.
2. Is thus far more formal than so far?
Yes. Thus far has a more polished, formal, and professional tone. You’ll often see it in academic writing, reports, presentations, and other formal contexts.
3. Can I use so far in formal writing?
Yes, you can. So far is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, thus far may fit better when you want a more formal or polished style.
4. Do thus far and so far mean exactly the same thing?
In most situations, yes. Both phrases communicate the idea of something happening up to this point in time. The key distinction comes from context, audience, and style, rather than meaning.
5. Which phrase should I use in everyday speech?
So far is usually the better choice for everyday speech and casual communication. It sounds natural and familiar, while thus far can sound more formal or deliberate.
Conclusion
Thus far and so far share the same basic meaning, but their tone and context make them feel different. So far works naturally in everyday speech, casual messages, and ordinary conversations, while thus far brings a more formal, professional, and polished feel to academic writing, reports, and presentations.
Choosing between them is mostly about audience, style, and the level of formality you want. When you want a simple and natural expression, so far is usually the safest choice. When you want a refined and formal touch, thus far can fit beautifully.
