Thus Far vs. So Far: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever wondered whether “thus far” and “so far” mean the same thing? Both expressions describe something that has happened up to a particular point in time, so they can often be used in similar sentences. However, there are small differences in tone, formality, and everyday usage that are worth understanding.

“So far” is much more common in everyday American English and sounds natural in casual conversations, emails, and general writing. “Thus far”, on the other hand, has a more formal or literary tone and often appears in professional, academic, or serious contexts.

Understanding thus far vs. so far can help you choose the expression that best fits your sentence and audience. In this guide, we’ll explain their meanings, differences, examples, and the situations where each phrase sounds most natural.

The Quick Answer

Phrase	Basic meaning	Typical tone	Common contexts
So far	Up to now	Neutral to informal	Conversation, emails, texts, general writing
Thus far	Up to this point	Formal	Academic, professional, legal, and official writing
For example:

• 
  So far, I’ve enjoyed the course. — Natural in everyday English.
• Thus far, the study has produced promising results. — More appropriate in formal or academic writing.
  The two phrases are usually interchangeable without changing the basic meaning, but replacing so far with thus far can make an otherwise casual sentence sound unnecessarily formal.

What Does “So Far” Mean?

So far is an adverbial phrase meaning “up to the present moment,” “until now,” or “up to this point.” It is commonly used to talk about progress, experiences, results, or situations that are still ongoing or could change later.
Simple definition:
So far = until now or up to this point in time.
For example:

• So far, everything is going according to plan.
• I’ve read five chapters so far.
• The team has scored three goals so far this season.
• So far, no problems have appeared.
  The present perfect is especially common with so far because it connects an earlier action or period with the present:
• I’ve visited six countries so far.
• We’ve received over 500 applications so far.
• Scientists have discovered several new species so far this year.

When Should You Use “So Far”?

Use so far when you are discussing something that has happened up to the present and may continue or develop afterward.
Common situations include:

• giving a progress update
• describing an experience
• discussing current results
• talking about an ongoing project
• describing travel or learning progress
• evaluating how something is going
  For example:

So far, our trip has been amazing.

I’ve completed three assignments so far.

So far, everything looks good.
One reason so far is so useful is its flexibility. It works naturally in conversations, emails, text messages, meetings, social media posts, and general writing.

What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

Thus far also means “up to now,” “until now,” or “up to this point,” but it has a more formal tone. It is especially common when the writer is reporting progress, findings, achievements, or results in a professional or academic context.
Simple definition:
Thus far = up to this point, especially in formal writing.
For example:

• Thus far, the research has produced promising results.
• Thus far, the investigation has found no evidence of fraud.
• Our efforts have thus far exceeded expectations.
• Thus far, the project remains on schedule.

When Should You Use “Thus Far”?

Choose thus far when the situation calls for a formal or professional tone. It commonly appears in:

• academic essays
• research papers
• business reports
• official company updates
• government publications
• legal writing
• historical writing
• literary works
• formal speeches
  For example:

Thus far, the study supports the original hypothesis.

Thus far, quarterly revenue has increased by 12%.

Thus far, no additional claims have been filed.

Thus far, scholars have reached no clear consensus.
Editorial note: The original article correctly identifies the key distinction as one of register rather than basic meaning. The strongest way to teach this is not to present thus far as a different time expression, but to show readers that both phrases describe a period extending to the present while differing mainly in style and context.

What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

Thus far means “up to now,” “until now,” or “up to this point.” Like so far, it describes something that has happened or continued from an earlier point to the present. The main difference is its formal tone, which makes it more suitable for academic, professional, legal, and official writing.
Simple definition:
Thus far = up to this point in time.
For example:

• Thus far, the research has produced promising results.
• Thus far, the investigation has found no evidence of fraud.
• The committee has thus far approved every proposal.
• Thus far, the project remains on schedule.
  These sentences describe current progress or results, but thus far gives them a more formal, report-like tone.

When to Use “Thus Far”

Use thus far when your writing needs a formal or professional register. It is especially useful when discussing research, official findings, business results, investigations, or measurable progress.
Common contexts include:

• Academic essays and research papers
• Business and financial reports
• Government publications
• Legal documents
• Formal announcements
• Professional presentations
• Historical or literary writing
  For example:
  Academic:
  Thus far, researchers have identified three possible causes.
  Business:
  Thus far, the company has achieved all of its strategic objectives.
  Official:
  Thus far, the investigation has uncovered no evidence of misconduct.
  Professional:
  The project has thus far remained within budget.
  The phrase does not make a sentence more grammatically correct than so far. It simply gives the sentence a more formal style.

Why Does “Thus Far” Sound More Formal?

The word thus is strongly associated with formal written English. As a result, thus far appears more naturally in carefully written documents than in ordinary conversation.
Compare:

• Casual: So far, everything is going well.
• Formal: Thus far, the implementation has met all project objectives.
  Both sentences communicate essentially the same idea. The difference is the register. The first sounds natural in everyday communication, while the second fits a formal report or professional document more comfortably.

Common Contexts for “Thus Far”

Context	Natural example
Research paper	Thus far, the study supports the original hypothesis.
Business report	Thus far, quarterly revenue has increased by 12%.
Government report	Thus far, emergency services have responded effectively.
Legal document	Thus far, no additional claims have been filed.
Academic essay	Thus far, scholars have reached no clear consensus.
Historical writing	Thus far, available records confirm the event occurred in 1854.
These examples show how thus far works especially well when the writer is presenting information, evidence, progress, or conclusions in a formal context.

Grammar Pattern of “Thus Far”

Thus far frequently appears with the present perfect tense, particularly when an action began in the past and remains relevant to the present.
Examples:

• Researchers have thus far examined over 2,000 samples.
• The committee has thus far approved every proposal.
• Scientists have thus far identified several contributing factors.
  The phrase can also occur with other verb forms when the context calls for them. The important point is not to memorize a single tense rule, but to understand that thus far refers to a period extending to the present.

“Thus Far” in Real-World Writing

Think of thus far as a useful choice when you are reporting what has happened up to this point and the audience expects polished, formal language.
For example:

• Thus far, the experiment has produced consistent results.
• The organization has thus far fulfilled every contractual obligation.
• Thus far, negotiations have remained constructive.
• The department has thus far stayed within budget.
  In each case, thus far emphasizes the current status of an ongoing situation while maintaining a professional tone.

Thus Far vs. So Far: The Key Point

The safest rule is simple:

Use “so far” for natural everyday English; use “thus far” when a more formal tone is appropriate.
You do not need to avoid thus far because it sounds formal, and you do not need to force it into academic writing. Choose the expression that fits your audience, purpose, and context.

Thus Far vs. So Far: Side-by-Side Comparison

Thus far and so far usually communicate the same basic idea, but they do not always sound equally natural. In most everyday situations, so far is the better choice. Thus far is more appropriate when the writing is formal, academic, professional, or official.

So Far	Thus Far
So far, we’ve received 500 applications.	Thus far, we’ve received 500 applications.
So far, the plan is working well.	Thus far, the plan has proven effective.
So far, no one has complained.	Thus far, no formal complaints have been received.
So far, we’ve completed every task.	Thus far, every assigned task has been completed.
So far, the weather has been excellent.	Thus far, weather conditions have remained favorable.
The meaning in each pair is very similar. What changes is the tone and style. The so far versions sound more conversational and direct, while the thus far versions sound more formal and polished.

Which One Sounds More Natural?

The right choice depends largely on who you are talking to and what you are writing.

Situation	Better choice	Why
Talking with a friend	So far	Natural and conversational
Text messaging	So far	Brief and familiar
Personal email	So far	Friendly and neutral
Blog post	So far	Accessible to general readers
News article	Usually so far	Direct and easy to understand
Business report	Thus far	More formal and professional
Academic paper	Thus far	Fits formal academic style
Legal document	Thus far	Matches formal register
Government publication	Thus far	Appropriate for official writing
Research journal	Thus far	Consistent with scholarly style
This is a style preference, not an absolute grammar rule. Both phrases can be grammatically correct in many of these situations. The question is which one fits the context more naturally.

Everyday Examples with “So Far”

In everyday English, so far is usually the expression native speakers reach for first.

• So far, I’m loving my new apartment.
• So far, the concert has been amazing.
• We’ve had a great weekend so far.
• So far, my new phone works perfectly.
• I’ve met some wonderful people so far.
• So far, the course has been easier than I expected.
• Everything has gone well so far.
• So far, this book is impossible to put down.
  These sentences sound natural because the situations are personal, conversational, or informal.

Formal and Professional Examples with “Thus Far”

In formal writing, thus far can make a progress update sound more measured and professional.

• Thus far, the investigation has uncovered no evidence of misconduct.
• Thus far, emergency services have responded effectively.
• The committee has thus far approved every recommendation.
• Thus far, the company has achieved all strategic objectives.
• Thus far, negotiations have remained constructive.
• The project has thus far stayed on schedule and within budget.
  These examples work well because the subjects—investigations, committees, companies, negotiations, and projects—fit contexts where formal language is expected.

Academic Examples with “Thus Far”

Academic writing often needs a precise, formal tone, making thus far a useful option when reporting the current state of research or evidence.

• Thus far, researchers have identified three possible causes.
• Thus far, the literature provides limited evidence on this topic.
• The experiment has thus far produced consistent results.
• Thus far, no alternative explanation has gained widespread acceptance.
• Scholars have thus far reached no clear consensus.
• Thus far, the findings support the original hypothesis.
  The phrase is especially useful when the writer is summarizing what research has established up to the present point.

Workplace Examples: “So Far” or “Thus Far”?

Workplace English is where learners often have to make a judgment call. Both expressions can work, but the choice depends on the communication.
For an informal team update:

So far, we’ve completed the client presentation.
For a formal report:
Thus far, the implementation has achieved all planned milestones.
A quick message to a coworker does not need the formal style of an executive report. In fact, using thus far in a casual workplace chat may sound unnecessarily stiff.

A Simple Decision Rule

When you’re unsure, ask yourself:
Would I naturally say this to a friend?

• Yes → so far will usually sound right.
• No, this is formal writing → thus far may be a better fit.
  The goal is not to make your English sound more sophisticated. The goal is to make it appropriate for the situation.

Common Sentence Patterns with “So Far”

So far is flexible and can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Its position may change, but the basic meaning remains the same: something is true or has happened up to the present point.

1. At the Beginning

So far + subject + verb

• So far, everything looks perfect.
• So far, the project has stayed on schedule.
• So far, we’ve had no problems.
  Starting with so far immediately tells the reader that the statement refers to the current stage of an ongoing situation.

2. At the End

Subject + has/have + verb + so far

• We’ve completed six lessons so far.
• I’ve read three chapters so far.
• The team has won five matches so far.
  This position is especially common when you are giving a number, result, or progress update.

3. After the Subject

Subject + has/have + so far + past participle

• The team has so far completed every assignment.
• We have so far received 300 applications.
  This structure is grammatically natural, although the phrase is often more noticeable in formal or carefully edited writing.

Common Mistakes with “So Far”

The most important rule is that so far normally connects the past with the present. Learners sometimes use it with a finished period in the past, which creates a tense or meaning problem.

Incorrect	Better
I finished my homework so far.	I’ve finished my homework so far.
So far yesterday was busy.	Yesterday was busy.
So far last year, we traveled a lot.	Last year, we traveled a lot.
I am living here so far.	I’ve lived here so far.*
*The final example is possible only when the intended meaning is that the situation extends up to the present.

Avoid Finished Past Time Expressions

Expressions such as yesterday, last week, last month, and last year normally refer to completed periods. Because so far points toward the present, the two ideas usually do not belong together.
Compare:

•  So far yesterday, we sold 50 tickets.
•  Yesterday, we sold 50 tickets.
  But:
•  We’ve sold 50 tickets so far this week.
  The difference is that this week can still be continuing, whereas yesterday is finished.

Quick Practice with “So Far”

Choose the phrase that completes each sentence naturally:

1. ________, we’ve received more than 300 applications.
2. I’ve learned a lot ________.
3. ________, everything is going according to plan.
4. Our team has won every match ________ this season.
   Answers:
5. So far
6. So far
7. So far
8. So far
   If you want your everyday English to sound natural, so far is usually the safer default.

Common Sentence Patterns with “Thus Far”

Thus far follows many of the same grammatical patterns as so far. The important difference remains register: thus far is more formal.

1. At the Beginning

Thus far + subject + verb

• Thus far, the project has remained on schedule.
• Thus far, the research has produced encouraging results.
• Thus far, no violations have been detected.

2. In the Middle

Subject + has/have + thus far + past participle

• The team has thus far completed every objective.
• The company has thus far met all its targets.
  This placement is particularly common in formal reports and academic writing.

3. At the End

Subject + has/have + verb + thus far

• Researchers have published five papers thus far.
• The organization has received several applications thus far.

4. With Passive Constructions

• Thus far, no violations have been detected.
• Thus far, no additional evidence has been discovered.
  These structures are useful in formal writing because passive constructions often focus attention on findings or results rather than on the person acting.

Common Mistakes with “Thus Far”

The most common problem is not grammar. It is using an unnecessarily formal expression in a casual situation.

Less Natural in Casual English	More Natural
Thus far, I like this pizza.	So far, I like this pizza.
Thus far, my vacation is great.	So far, my vacation is great.
Thus far, I’m enjoying the movie.	So far, I’m enjoying the movie.
Thus far, my new phone works well.	So far, my new phone works well.
The thus far versions are not necessarily grammatically wrong. They simply sound overly formal for ordinary conversation.

Thus Far vs. So Far in Grammar

From a grammatical perspective, thus far and so far work in almost the same way. Both are adverbial phrases of time that refer to a period extending from an earlier point to the present.
In simple terms, both answer the question:
“Up to when?”
For example:

• So far, we’ve completed the assignment.
• Thus far, the proposal has received unanimous support.
  In both sentences, the phrase establishes the time frame for the statement.

Their Function in a Sentence

Both expressions can indicate:

• the current state of something
• progress made up to now
• an amount achieved to date
• results obtained so far
  For example:
• So far, everything is going well.
• Thus far, the research has been successful.
• We’ve raised $20,000 so far.
• The committee has thus far approved five proposals.
  The grammatical function is essentially the same; the main distinction is stylistic.

Where Can “So Far” and “Thus Far” Appear?

Both expressions can occur in several positions.
Beginning:

• So far, the experiment has produced reliable results.
• Thus far, the company has met every objective.
  This is a particularly clear placement because the time frame appears before the main information.
  End:
• We’ve completed eight chapters so far.
• Researchers have published twelve papers thus far.
  This position works especially well when reporting progress or totals.
  After the subject:
• The project has so far remained on schedule.
• The committee has thus far rejected the proposal.
  This placement is also grammatically natural, although it can sound slightly more formal when used with thus far.

The Key Grammar Rule

Do not treat thus far and so far as different grammar structures. They normally express the same time relationship. When choosing between them, focus first on whether the situation continues to the present and then on whether your context calls for casual or formal language.
Continuing/current situation → so far or thus far
Everyday tone → so far
Formal tone → thus far

Punctuation with “Thus Far” and “So Far”

Thus far and so far are easy to punctuate. When either phrase comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is normally followed by a comma. When it appears at the end or in the middle, a comma is generally not needed.

At the Beginning

Use a comma after the introductory phrase:

• So far, we’ve had excellent weather.
• Thus far, the negotiations have been successful.

At the End

No comma is normally needed:

• We’ve completed the first phase so far.
• The organization has exceeded its goals thus far.

In the Middle

A comma is generally unnecessary:

• The company has thus far avoided major setbacks.
• The team has so far achieved every target.
  This simple punctuation pattern keeps your sentences clean and natural.

Which Verb Tense Should You Use?

Both so far and thus far commonly appear with the present perfect tense because they describe a period that extends from the past to the present.

Verb tense	So far	Thus far
Present perfect	Most common	Most common
Present perfect continuous	Common	Common
Simple present	Sometimes	Occasionally
Simple past	Usually inappropriate	Usually inappropriate
Examples:

• 
  I’ve finished six lessons so far.
• Researchers have thus far analyzed 500 samples.
• We’ve been making steady progress so far.
• The project has thus far remained within budget.
  The key is not simply to memorize a tense. Ask whether the sentence describes something that is connected to now. If it is, the present perfect is often the most natural choice.

Practice: Thus Far vs. So Far

The best way to remember the difference is to practice choosing the expression that fits the context. Pay attention not only to grammar but also to tone and audience.

Fill in the Blank

Complete each sentence with thus far or so far.

1. ________, we’ve completed three chapters of the book.
2. ________, the research has produced encouraging results.
3. I’ve enjoyed the workshop ________.
4. ________, the committee has approved every proposal.
5. Our vacation has been wonderful ________.
6. ________, no safety concerns have been reported.
7. The team has won every game ________ this season.
8. ________, the investigation has uncovered no evidence of misconduct.
9. I’ve learned a lot about English grammar ________.
10. ________, the organization has achieved all of its annual goals.

Answers

1. So far
2. Thus far
3. So far
4. Thus far
5. So far
6. Thus far
7. So far
8. Thus far
9. So far
10. Thus far
    The answers are based primarily on context and register. Casual, personal situations naturally favor so far, while research, investigations, committees, and formal organizational reporting favor thus far.

Practice: Choose the More Natural Expression

The best answer depends on the context and level of formality. Remember that so far is normally more natural in everyday situations, while thus far fits formal contexts better.

Rewrite the Sentences

Replace the expression with the more appropriate alternative.

1. Thus far, I’m really enjoying this new video game.
2. So far, the audit has identified no financial irregularities.
3. Thus far, our road trip has been fantastic.
4. So far, the research has confirmed the initial hypothesis.
5. Thus far, this pizza tastes delicious.

Suggested Answers

1. So far, I’m really enjoying this new video game.
2. Thus far, the audit has identified no financial irregularities.
3. So far, our road trip has been fantastic.
4. Thus far, the research has confirmed the initial hypothesis.
5. So far, this pizza tastes delicious.
   The changes are mainly stylistic. The original meanings remain essentially the same, but the revised versions better match the context.

Spot the Mistake

Which sentence sounds unnatural?

1. So far, everything has gone according to plan.
2. Thus far, the report has received positive reviews.
3. Thus far, I’m loving this ice cream.
4. We’ve completed five lessons so far.
   Answer: Sentence 3.
   Thus far is grammatically possible, but it sounds unnecessarily formal for a casual comment about ice cream. A natural speaker would normally say:
   So far, I’m loving this ice cream.

Mini Quiz

1. Which phrase is more common in everyday conversation?
A. Thus far
B. So far
Answer: B. So far
2. Which phrase is more suitable for a research paper?
A. Thus far
B. So far
Answer: A. Thus far
3. Which sentence sounds more natural?
A. Thus far, my weekend has been awesome.
B. So far, my weekend has been awesome.
Answer: B. So far
4. Which sentence better suits a formal company report?
A. So far, we’ve achieved all quarterly objectives.
B. Thus far, we’ve achieved all quarterly objectives.
Answer: B. Thus far
5. Do both expressions have the same basic meaning?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: A. Yes

How to Practice “Thus Far” and “So Far”

The quickest way to develop a natural feel for these expressions is to notice them in authentic English.
When reading:

• news reports
• research papers
• business reports
• official documents

you are more likely to encounter them.

When listening to or reading:

• conversations
• movies and television
• podcasts
• blogs
• social media
• personal messages

you are much more likely to encounter so far.
Over time, repeated exposure makes the difference in register easier to recognize without consciously applying a grammar rule.

Conclusion:

Understanding thus far vs. so far is less about learning two different meanings and more about learning how English changes with context. Both expressions mean “up to now” or “up to this point,” but so far is the natural choice for everyday conversation, messages, emails, and general writing. Thus far has a more formal tone, making it useful for academic papers, business reports, research, documents, and official communication.
When you’re unsure, don’t try to make your English sound more sophisticated than necessary. Start with so far in ordinary situations, and choose thus far when the formality of the context genuinely calls for it. The better choice is the one that sounds natural for your audience, purpose, and setting. With regular exposure to authentic English, the distinction becomes easy to recognize and use confidently.

FAQs

Is “thus far” the same as “so far”?

Yes. Both expressions generally mean “up to now,” “until now,” or “up to this point.” The main difference is tone: so far is more common in everyday English, while thus far is more formal.

Which phrase is more formal: “thus far” or “so far”?

Thus far is more formal. It is particularly suitable for academic papers, professional reports, official documents, and legal writing. So far is more natural for everyday communication.

Can I use “thus far” in everyday conversation?

Yes. It is grammatically correct, but it may sound overly formal in a casual conversation. Most native speakers would normally choose so far when speaking with friends, family, or coworkers in a relaxed setting.

Is “so far” grammatically correct?

Absolutely. So far is a standard English expression. It commonly appears with the present perfect when describing actions or situations that extend from the past to the present.

• So far, we’ve completed the project on time.
• I’ve learned a lot so far.

Which expression is more common?

So far is much more common, particularly in spoken English and informal writing. It is a natural choice in conversations, classrooms, podcasts, social media, and everyday communication.

Can “thus far” and “so far” be used interchangeably?

In many sentences, yes. Because they share the same basic meaning, replacing one with the other usually does not change the message. However, it can change the tone.

• So far, everything is going well. — More conversational
• Thus far, everything is proceeding as planned. — More formal
  Choose the expression that matches your audience and purpose.

Is “thus far” old-fashioned?

No. Thus far is not outdated. It is simply less common in everyday conversation. It remains established in academic, legal, government, and professional writing.

Which phrase should English learners use?

If you are unsure, start with so far. It is common, natural, and appropriate in most everyday situations. As you become more comfortable with English registers, you can use thus far when a formal writing style calls for it.

Can I use these expressions in academic writing?

Yes. Both are grammatically possible in academic writing, but thus far often fits the formal register of research papers, dissertations, and scholarly articles more naturally.
Example:
Thus far, the available evidence supports the proposed theory.

What verb tense commonly follows “thus far” and “so far”?

Both expressions frequently occur with the present perfect, especially when an action or situation began in the past and remains connected to the present.

• I’ve completed five chapters so far.
• Researchers have thus far identified three possible causes.
  The tense should still be chosen according to the meaning of the complete sentence rather than by memorizing a rigid rule.

Can “thus far” or “so far” begin a sentence?

Yes. Both can naturally appear at the beginning of a sentence and are normally followed by a comma.

• So far, everything has gone well.
• Thus far, the evidence supports the conclusion.
  They can also appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence.

What are some alternatives to “thus far” and “so far”?

Common alternatives include up to now, up until now, up to this point, to date, until now, and as of now. The best choice depends on the context and the precise meaning you want to emphasize.

How can I easily remember the difference?

Use this simple memory rule:
So far = simple and spoken.
Thus far = technical and formal.
If you’re chatting with friends, so far will usually sound natural. If you’re writing a formal report or research paper, thus far may be the better choice.