The English language can be a tricky beast, often surprising us with a twist in phrases like thus far vs so far that leaves even confident speakers second-guessing. I’ve come across this often in conversations and my writing, choosing the right phrase changes everything. The meanings of both are close, pointing to moments in time, but their uses differ based on context.
One time, I edited a formal report and used “thus far” to emphasize outcomes and achievements. In contrast, for a casual blog on travel, I picked “so far” to highlight ongoing progress.
Over time, I’ve learned that clarity in language often matters more than hard rules. I recall a team meeting where someone used a great example: “So far, we’ve had over 100 sign-ups,” which was perfect for the setting.
In contrast, thus far works best in literary or reflective writings to signal completed efforts or accomplishments. This article isn’t just about grammar; it’s about tone, purpose, and picking the right phrase to match your context. Whether it’s everyday speech or polished works, understanding the difference will help you communicate with greater precision.
What Do “Thus Far” and “So Far” Mean?
Both “thus far” and “so far” mean “up to this point” or “until now.” They are adverbial phrases that mark progress in time. However, there are key distinctions:
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone | Common Usage |
| Thus Far | Up to this point | Formal | Academic, legal, official |
| So Far | Until now | Informal | Conversation, casual writing |
They may deliver the same core message, but the context in which you use each makes all the difference.
The Origin and Etymology of “Thus Far” and “So Far”
Historical Roots of “Thus Far”
“Thus” is derived from Old English “þus,” meaning “in this way.” Historically, “thus” has been used in philosophical, religious, and literary texts. Phrases like “thus far and no further” have legal and biblical roots, appearing in translations of Job 38:11:
“Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.”
This association with a formal, authoritative tone is still felt today.
Evolution of “So Far” in Modern English
“So” originates from Old English “swā,” meaning “in this manner” or “to such an extent.” While still grammatically correct, “so far” is rooted in colloquial speech and became common in the 20th century as casual communication evolved.
Tone and Formality: When Each Phrase Shines
How Formal Are They?
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
| Tone | Elevated, detached | Approachable, conversational |
| Common in | Research, law, academia | Emails, text, and spoken English |
| Perceived Intent | Authoritative, thorough | Ongoing, casual |
| Example Setting | Whitepaper, court document | Chat message, blog post |
When to Use “Thus Far”
- Academic papers: *”The data thus far indicates…”
- Legal reports: *”The investigation has revealed thus far…”
- Scientific research: *”Thus far, results show consistency…”
When to Use “So Far”
- Personal updates: *”So far, my vacation has been amazing.”
- Work emails: *”So far, we’ve completed two out of five deliverables.”
- Social media: *”So far, it’s been a great year.”
Grammatical Usage and Sentence Structure
Parts of Speech
Both phrases act as adverbial phrases, typically modifying the verb to indicate time-related progress.
Placement in Sentences
Beginning:
“Thus far, we have avoided delays.”
“So far, everything is on track.”
Middle:
“The team has, thus far, exceeded expectations.”
End:
“We haven’t faced any issues so far.”
Punctuation Rules
- Use commas if the phrase appears at the beginning.
- Avoid commas when the phrase ends a sentence.
- Mid-sentence placements may be surrounded by commas if adding emphasis or formality.
Example:
“Thus far, our analysis supports the hypothesis.”
Real-Life Examples of Each Phrase
Formal Examples with “Thus Far”
“The committee has, thus far, approved all budget allocations.”
“The patient has responded well to treatment thus far, with no adverse reactions.”
Informal Examples with “So Far”
“So far, I haven’t found a better burger in town.”
“We’re halfway through the series so far, and it’s really good.”
Common Scenarios and Use Cases
Academic or Professional Contexts
- Research journals
- Legal findings
- Medical updates
- Government publications
Casual and Day-to-Day Settings
- Text messages
- Friendly updates
- Workplace check-ins
- Social media posts
Decision Matrix:
| Context | Recommended Phrase |
| Business memo | Thus Far |
| Team Slack message | So Far |
| Dissertation introduction | Thus Far |
| Instagram caption | So Far |
Connotation and Nuance Differences
Even though both phrases mean the same thing, their connotation can color the tone of your sentence.
“Thus Far” Conveys:
- Control and authority
- Objective distance
- Finality (often sounds like a conclusion)
“So Far” Conveys:
- Progress with room for change
- Personal voice
- Soft engagement or informality
Example:
“Thus far, the campaign has failed.” (Formal, judgmental)
“So far, the campaign isn’t doing great.” (Casual, non-final)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t mix tones: Saying “Thus far, I’m loving the movie!” sounds overly formal for a casual statement.
- Avoid redundancy: Don’t say “so far up to now” – it’s repetitive.
- Don’t overuse for effect: Repeating “so far” too often in casual updates can become monotonous.
Understanding “Thus Far and No Further”
Origin and Usage
This phrase comes from biblical and legal usage, symbolizing a firm boundary.
Example:
“Thus far and no further shall the waters come.”
Modern Meaning
It now implies a hard limit or decision point, often in debates or negotiations.
Example:
“We’ve compromised enough thus far and no further.”
Synonyms and Better Alternatives
Formal Alternatives to “Thus Far”
- To date
- As yet
- Heretofore
- Up to the present time
Informal Alternatives to “So Far”
- Until now
- For now
- As of now
- Just yet
Table of Synonyms by Tone
| Phrase | Formal/Informal | Sample Sentence |
| To date | Formal | “To date, we have reviewed 78 cases.” |
| As of now | Informal | “As of now, we haven’t received an update.” |
| Heretofore | Formal (archaic) | “Heretofore, such actions were unheard of.” |
| For now | Casual | “For now, let’s stick to Plan A.” |
Similar Phrases Often Confused
“Up to Now” vs. “Thus Far” vs. “So Far”
- “Up to now” is neutral and works in both formal and casual settings.
- “Thus far” remains more suitable for formal, detached writing.
- “So far” still leads for casual, conversational use.
“Until Now” vs. “So Far”
- Slightly more final in tone.
- Often used with present perfect: “Until now, we’ve avoided conflict.”
AI Writing Tools and SEO Preferences
What Writing Tools Suggest
Apps like Grammarly often flag “thus far” as too formal for emails or marketing content, suggesting “so far” instead.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- “So far” is more commonly searched in user-generated content like blogs.
- “Thus far” tends to appear in academic PDF documents or technical articles.
Tip: For SEO, use both but prioritize “so far” for readability and user engagement.
Workplace and Everyday Use: Quick Tips
Workplace Communication
- Status update: *”So far, the results are promising.”
- Progress report: *”Thus far, all project milestones are met.”
Social Interaction
- Friends: *”So far, I’m loving this new series.”
- Events: *”Thus far, the wedding has gone smoothly.”
Quick Usage Decision List
- Need to sound polished and objective? → Use “thus far”
- Want to sound human, friendly, and casual? → Use “so far”
Recap: Key Takeaways
- “Thus far” = formal, authoritative, best in writing or structured settings.
- “So far” = casual, conversational, great for speech and emails.
- Tone, context, and audience should always guide your choice.
- Be consistent with tone throughout your content.
Mastering Nuanced Phrases Builds Trust and Clarity
In communication, every phrase carries weight. Choosing between “thus far” and “so far” might seem trivial, but it changes the way your message lands. Precision in tone and intent can elevate your writing, especially when clarity and credibility matter.
Next time you want to show progress or reflect on what’s been done, choose your words wisely. Let the formality, setting, and intent guide your decision, and your language will always strike the right chord.
Bonus: Better Ways to Say “I’ll Keep You Updated”
Here are 15 alternatives depending on tone:
| Alternative Phrase | Use Case |
| I’ll let you know | Casual |
| I’ll follow up | Business / Professional |
| Expect an update soon | Formal |
| I’ll circle back | Corporate |
| I’ll check in with you | Friendly / Social |
| Updates will be shared | Formal written communication |
| I’ll ping you | Tech / Start-up |
| We’ll keep you posted | Customer service |
| Watch this space | Marketing / Creative |
| More info to come | General |
| You’ll hear from me soon | Direct |
| Stay tuned | Social / Casual |
| I’ll reconnect | Neutral professional |
| We’ll touch base | Business jargon |
| Updates forthcoming | Formal and technical |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “thus far” and “so far” is more than a grammar lesson; it’s a skill that elevates your communication. Both phrases indicate progress up to the present moment, but they carry different tones. “Thus far” brings a formal, authoritative feel ideal for professional, academic, or legal contexts. Meanwhile, “so far” fits naturally into casual conversations, personal updates, or friendly workplace settings.
By paying attention to the tone, audience, and context, you can confidently choose the right phrase for any situation. A formal report or presentation benefits from the elegance of “thus far,” while a status update or friendly chat thrives with the relatability of “so far.” Their proper use signals that you’re not just fluent in English, you’re precise, thoughtful, and intentional with your words.
Remember to avoid common mistakes like mixing tones or overusing either phrase. Instead, keep your writing fresh and natural by varying vocabulary and sentence structure. Leverage the synonyms and alternatives listed throughout this guide when you want to change the rhythm or voice of your message.
Whether you’re writing a paper, giving a speech, or crafting an email, using these expressions correctly strengthens your voice. Mastering them adds clarity and credibility to your words, something that matters in every conversation, no matter the medium.
In short, both phrases serve you well when used wisely. Let formality guide “thus far,” and ease steer “so far.” With that, your language will always be sharp, clear, and effective.
FAQs
What is the difference between “thus far” and “so far”?
“Thus far” and “so far” both mean “up to this point” or “until now.” The main difference lies in tone and formality. “Thus far” sounds more formal and authoritative, commonly used in academic, legal, or business contexts. “So far” is casual and conversational, used in everyday speech, emails, or friendly updates. Choosing between them depends on the audience and context of your message.
Is “thus far” outdated or still commonly used?
“Thus far” may sound old-fashioned, but it’s still widely used, especially in formal or academic writing. It appears in research papers, legal documents, and professional reports. While not as common in everyday speech, it’s far from obsolete. Instead, it adds a refined, authoritative tone that makes writing sound more polished and structured. If you want a sophisticated alternative to “so far,” “thus far” is an excellent choice.
Can I use “so far” in professional emails?
Yes, but with care. “So far” is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially in casual workplace environments. For instance, “So far, we’ve met all deadlines” sounds natural and clear. However, if you’re writing to a client, executive, or in a highly formal context, consider using “thus far” or alternatives like “to date” to elevate the tone. The key is to match the level of formality to your audience.
Are there better alternatives to “thus far” and “so far”?
Yes, several synonyms fit specific tones. For formal writing, alternatives to “thus far” include “to date,” “as yet,” and “heretofore.” For a casual tone, “so far” can be replaced with “until now,” “as of now,” or “for now.” Choosing the best alternative depends on the tone you want to convey and the context in which you’re writing or speaking. Use these substitutions to maintain variety and engagement.
Is “thus far and no further” a common phrase today?
“Thus far and no further” is less common in casual speech but remains widely recognized. It originated from biblical and legal texts and is now used metaphorically to signal boundaries, limits, or final decisions. You might hear it in debates, literature, or formal discussions. It’s powerful when used correctly, especially in contexts where you want to convey firmness or the end of negotiation, or patience.
