The language we use evolves constantly, and even simple phrases can create confusion. One example that sparks debate is the use of Thus Far vs So Far, which both share the same basic meaning – “up to this point in time” – yet differ in tone, formality, and context. When I first wondered which one to use in writing or conversation, I realized how professional communication subtly changes with a single word choice.
Over time, experience became my best guide. I explored how language breaks, adapts, and reforms through history, grammar, and real-world usage. From practical examples, I noticed that thus far it often suits an academic paper or when delivering a speech, while so far it feels more natural when sending a quick message to a friend. Knowing exactly when to use each can elevate clarity and impact.
Understanding the Core Meaning of “Thus Far” and “So Far”
Both “thus far” and “so far” mean essentially the same thing:
👉 “up to this point in time” or “until now.”
The difference lies in tone and formality.
- Thus far tends to sound more formal, traditional, or even literary.
- So far is modern, conversational, and widely used in everyday English.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
| Meaning | Up to this point | Up to this point |
| Tone | Formal, serious, literary | Casual, conversational |
| Frequency Today | Less common | Very common |
| Best Used In | Academic, legal, speeches | Conversation, emails, casual writing |
The Origin and Historical Context of “Thus Far”
To understand why “thus far” sounds formal, we need to look at the history of the word “thus.”
- The word “thus” dates back to Old English (around the 9th century). It was used in the sense of “in this way” or “therefore.”
- In Middle English, it carried a strong sense of logical reasoning and structure, which explains why it appears in early literature, philosophy, and law.
- Example: In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we find “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.”
This literary and formal background makes “thus far” feel more suited to serious, intellectual, or structured writing.
Over time, as English became more informal in spoken communication, the use of “so far” grew – while “thus far” retained its formal prestige.
“So Far” in Modern English
In contrast, “so far” emerged as a simpler, conversational alternative.
- By the 18th and 19th centuries, “so far” began to dominate everyday communication.
- Today, it is far more common in spoken English, emails, texts, social media, and casual writing.
Some quick stats (from modern corpus studies of English usage):
- “So far” appears about 10 times more frequently than “thus far” in everyday writing.
- In digital communication (social media, blogs, chat messages), “so far” dominates almost entirely.
Example:
- Casual: “So far, the project is going well.”
- Rarely would you say, “Thus far, the project is going well” in everyday conversation.
The Formality Divide: “Thus Far” vs “So Far”
The key difference is formality.
- “Thus far” is formal. It fits best in academic writing, legal contexts, professional reports, and speeches.
- “So far” is casual. It works in day-to-day conversation, storytelling, and informal workplace updates.
Regional Preferences
- British English: “Thus far” appears more in formal British legal or academic documents.
- American English: “So far” dominates across nearly all contexts, though “thus far” survives in legal, government, and corporate writing.
Examples in Context: Showing the Difference
Sometimes, examples make the difference crystal clear.
Formal Examples with “Thus Far”
- “Thus far, the evidence supports the theory that climate change is accelerating.”
- “The board’s review has thus far concluded that no laws were violated.”
- “Thus far, her career has been marked by excellence in research.”
Informal Examples with “So Far”
- “So far, so good!”
- “So far, the new season of the show has been amazing.”
- “We’ve raised $2,000 so far for the charity.”
Notice how “so far” sounds natural in conversation, while “thus far” elevates the tone.
Common Situations Where Each Phrase Works Best
When to Use “Thus Far”
- Academic research papers
- Formal reports or presentations
- Legal documents or rulings
- Historical or political speeches
When to Use “So Far”
- Everyday conversation with friends
- Emails and workplace updates
- Social media or storytelling
- Progress updates in casual contexts
Exploring the Phrase “Thus Far and No Further”
An interesting variation is “thus far and no further.”
- Origin: This phrase has biblical roots, appearing in Job 38:11 where God says to the sea, “Thus far shall you come, but no farther.”
- Meaning: It signifies setting limits or boundaries.
- Modern Use: It is still used today in political speeches, motivational talks, and even fiction to stress finality and limits.
Example: “We are willing to negotiate, but thus far and no further.”
Grammar and Punctuation Rules for Both
Both “thus far” and “so far” function as adverbs of time.
- They usually appear at the start or middle of a sentence.
- Example:
- Start: “Thus far, the experiment has been successful.”
- Middle: “The experiment has, thus far, been successful.”
- Start: “So far, everything looks fine.”
- Middle: “Everything looks fine so far.”
Punctuation
- With “thus far”, commas are more common in formal writing, especially if it opens a sentence.
- With “so far”, punctuation is simpler and usually not needed beyond natural breaks.
Casual Alternatives to “So Far”
Sometimes, variety improves your writing. Instead of repeating “so far,” you can use:
- Up to now
- Until now
- As yet
- To this point
Example Replacements:
- “So far, we haven’t had any issues.” → “Up to now, we haven’t had any issues.”
- “So far, she has done well in her new job.” → “Until now, she has done well in her new job.”
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Academic Case
A research paper in The Journal of Climate used:
- “Thus far, the data confirms that sea levels are rising faster than projected.”
Corporate Example
A workplace email might say:
- “So far, the transition to the new software has been smooth.”
Social Media
On Twitter/X:
- “So far, I’m loving the new iPhone upgrade.”
Famous Speech
John F. Kennedy once used a variation of “thus far” in political addresses to add weight and seriousness.
Quick Reference Table: “Thus Far” vs “So Far”
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
| Tone/Formality | Formal, professional, literary | Casual, everyday, modern |
| Common Use | Reports, academia, speeches | Conversations, casual writing |
| Frequency Today | Less common | Very common |
| Alternatives | “Up to this point.” | “Up to now,” “as yet” |
| Example | “Thus far, the evidence is clear.” | “So far, it’s been great! |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “Thus Far vs So Far” may seem subtle, but it can significantly improve clarity and tone in your writing. Both expressions refer to events or conditions that have occurred up to the present moment, yet they differ in formality, frequency, and stylistic impact. “So far” is the more common and conversational choice, suitable for everyday speech, casual writing, emails, and general communication. It feels natural, modern, and straightforward, making it the default option for most contexts.
On the other hand, “thus far” carries a more formal, deliberate, and sometimes literary tone. It is often found in academic writing, professional reports, legal contexts, or narratives that aim for a polished or authoritative voice. While interchangeable with “so far” in meaning, its stylistic weight makes it more appropriate when precision or seriousness is desired. Writers may choose “thus far” to underscore a sense of progression, reflection, or emphasis.
In practice, choosing the right phrase depends primarily on your audience and the tone you want to convey. For friendly conversations, informal work chats, and simple statements, “so far” remains the better option. When crafting professional documents, formal messages, or structured reports, “thus far” can elevate the language and provide a refined quality.
Another key point is consistency. Once you select a tone-formal or informal-maintaining it throughout your writing helps avoid awkward shifts. Because “so far” is used far more often in modern English, mixing it with “thus far” may stand out unless the formality is intentional.
Ultimately, both expressions are correct and useful. Mastering when and how to use each allows you to communicate with precision and style. Whether you’re writing an email, drafting a report, or developing a narrative, choosing between “so far” and “thus far” ensures your message aligns with the tone, audience, and purpose of your communication. The more aware you become of such nuances, the more effectively you can adapt your language to any situation.
FAQs
What is the main difference between “thus far” and “so far”?
The primary difference is tone. “So far” is widely used in everyday speech and is considered informal or neutral. “Thus far” conveys a more formal or polished style. Both mean “up to now,” but the choice depends on how formal you want your writing or speech to sound. “Thus far” often appears in academic, legal, or professional writing, while “so far” is more appropriate for casual or conversational contexts.
Are “thus far” and “so far” interchangeable?
Yes, they share the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably, but not always interchangeably in tone. While replacing one with the other won’t change the basic meaning, it may shift how formal or polished the sentence feels. Writers typically choose “so far” for casual communication and “thus far” for more serious, structured, or reflective writing. The decision should match the audience and purpose of your message.
Which phrase is more commonly used-“so far” or “thus far”?
“So far” is far more commonly used in modern English. It appears frequently in conversation, emails, and informal writing. “Thus far,” while correct, is used less often and tends to show up in formal writing or situations requiring a refined tone. Its rarity can make it stand out, which may be either beneficial or distracting depending on context. For most everyday communication, “so far” is the preferred and natural choice.
Should I use “thus far” in academic writing?
Yes, “thus far” works well in academic writing because it adds formality and precision. Academic tone often benefits from structured and elevated language, and “thus far” fits that style better than “so far.” However, clarity should remain a priority. If your writing already uses a conversational tone, switching to “thus far” might feel inconsistent. Use it purposefully in essays, research papers, literature analyses, and reports where a formal tone is appropriate.
Is “thus far” considered outdated or old-fashioned?
Not exactly. While “thus far” isn’t used as often today, it’s not outdated. Instead, it carries a formal or literary tone that feels more polished than “so far.” Writers choose it deliberately to add weight or seriousness to a statement. It may sound old-fashioned in very casual conversation, but in professional or academic contexts, it remains completely appropriate and effective. Its slightly elevated tone can make your writing feel more authoritative.
Can I use “so far” in professional communication?
Yes, “so far” is acceptable in most professional settings, especially in emails, reports, and updates. It’s neutral and easy to understand. However, if the tone of your workplace or document is very formal-such as legal writing or official reports-“thus far” may be more suitable. The decision depends on the level of formality expected. When in doubt, “so far” usually works unless the setting requires highly polished or structured language.
Do native speakers prefer one phrase over the other?
Native speakers overwhelmingly prefer “so far” because it is natural, common, and fits easily into everyday communication. “Thus far” isn’t incorrect-it’s simply more formal. Native speakers may use it intentionally in speeches, essays, or professional contexts where they want to sound more serious or refined. In daily conversation, “thus far” may sound stiff or overly formal. So while both are correct, usage depends on tone rather than meaning.
Can “thus far” or “so far” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, both forms can begin a sentence. For example, “So far, the results look good” and “Thus far, the data have supported our hypothesis” are both correct. Beginning with these phrases emphasizes progress or the current state of something. The main difference is tone: “thus far” creates a more formal opening, while “so far” suits casual statements. Use the phrase that matches the level of formality required in your writing.
Which phrase is better to use in storytelling or narrative writing?
Either can work, depending on the voice of the story. “So far” fits contemporary, conversational, or character-driven narratives. “Thus far” adds a more literary or formal tone, suitable for reflective passages or historical narratives. If your story has a modern, informal feel, stick with “so far.” If you want a dramatic or elegant style, “thus far” may enhance the narrative. Consistency with the story’s voice is key.
How can I decide which phrase to use in my writing?
Ask yourself how formal your writing needs to be. Use “so far” for casual, neutral, or conversational contexts and “thus far” for formal, structured, or academic writing. Consider your audience: everyday readers expect “so far,” while professionals or scholars may appreciate “thus far.” Also, think about consistency-don’t switch between the two unless intentional. Ultimately, choose the phrase that aligns with your tone, clarity, and stylistic goals.
Emma Rose is an experienced English educator, writer, and language enthusiast dedicated to helping learners unlock the full power of the English language. At SynoEnglish, she shares practical grammar tips, clear explanations, and real-world language insights to make learning both effective and enjoyable. With a passion for words and a love for clarity, Emma’s goal is to help readers speak and write with confidence.
