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

Have you ever paused while writing because you were unsure whether to use thus far or so far? These two phrases seem almost identical because they both mean “up to this point” or “until now.” However, choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your message sounds. In Thus Far vs. So Far: What’s the Difference? Meaning, Usage & Examples, you’ll learn when each phrase works best and why the choice matters.

The main difference is tone and formality. Thus far is more common in formal writing, business reports, academic papers, and professional communication, while so far is the natural choice for everyday conversations, casual emails, and friendly discussions. Although the phrases share the same meaning, they are not always interchangeable because the context, audience, and purpose of your writing can affect which one sounds more appropriate.

In this guide, you’ll discover the meaning, usage, grammar rules, and real-life examples of both expressions. We’ll also cover common mistakes, compare their differences side by side, and share useful alternatives to help you write with greater confidence. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use thus far and so far, making your English sound more natural, polished, and accurate in any situation.

The Short Answer

Thus Far vs. So Far: Which Is Correct?

The good news is that both “thus far” and “so far” are grammatically correct.

In most situations, they have the same meaning:

Up to now
Until this point
Up to the present time

The primary difference is style, not meaning.

So far is the standard choice in everyday English.
Thus far is more formal and is often found in professional or academic writing.

Quick Comparison

Phrase	Meaning	Common Usage
So far	Up to now	Everyday conversation, emails, news, general writing
Thus far	Up to this point	Academic writing, reports, legal documents, formal speeches

Simple Examples

Casual conversation:

So far, everything is going well.

Business report:

Thus far, the project has remained within budget.

Both sentences describe progress up to the present moment.

What Does “So Far” Mean?

Definition

So far is an adverbial phrase that means:

until now
up to this point
up to the present time

It refers to events, progress, experiences, or situations that have happened before the current moment.

Why Native Speakers Use It

So far is one of the most common time expressions in English because it’s:

easy to understand
conversational
flexible
suitable for both speaking and writing

You’ll hear it daily in homes, schools, workplaces, television interviews, and news broadcasts.

Common Uses

People commonly use so far when discussing:

progress
achievements
experiences
results
ongoing projects
travel
learning
business performance

Examples

So far, I’ve finished three chapters.
Everything has gone well so far.
So far, no problems have been reported.
We’ve sold 500 tickets so far.
So far, the weather has been perfect.

Each sentence refers to something true up until now.

What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

Definition

Thus far also means:

until now
up to this point
to this stage

Its meaning is essentially identical to so far.

The difference lies in its style.

Why It Sounds More Formal

The word thus has a formal tone in modern English.

Because of this, thus far often appears in:

research papers
legal writing
government reports
business documents
academic journals
speeches

Although native speakers understand it easily, they use it much less frequently in everyday conversation.

Common Uses

You’ll often see thus far in writing such as:

annual reports
scientific studies
policy documents
university papers
corporate presentations
legal opinions

Examples

Thus far, the experiment has produced promising results.
Thus far, no evidence supports the claim.
Thus far, the committee has approved six proposals.
Thus far, negotiations have remained productive.
Thus far, researchers have identified several contributing factors.

Notice that these examples sound more formal than everyday speech.

The Main Difference Between Thus Far and So Far

Although their meanings are almost identical, they differ in three important ways.

Difference in Formality

This is the biggest distinction.

So far

informal
conversational
neutral
suitable almost everywhere

Thus far

formal
professional
academic
more literary

Difference in Tone

Imagine speaking to a close friend.

You’d naturally say:

So far, everything’s great.

You probably wouldn’t say:

Thus far, everything’s great.

Although grammatically correct, it sounds unusually formal.

Difference in Frequency

Modern English overwhelmingly favors so far.

You’ll hear it regularly in:

conversations
podcasts
television
interviews
YouTube videos
social media
casual emails

Thus far appears much more often in writing than in speech.

Comparison Table

Feature	So Far	Thus Far
Meaning	Up to now	Up to now
Formality	Informal to neutral	Formal
Spoken English	Very common	Rare
Academic Writing	Sometimes	Very common
Business Reports	Common	Very common
Everyday Emails	Very common	Less common
Research Papers	Occasionally	Frequently

Grammar Explained

One reason these phrases are often confused is that they function in exactly the same way grammatically.

Part of Speech

Both thus far and so far function as adverbial phrases.

They modify an entire sentence or verb by describing time.

Examples

So far, we’ve completed the project.
Thus far, we’ve completed the project.

In both cases, the phrase tells us when the action is true.

Sentence Position

Both expressions are flexible.

They can appear:

at the beginning
in the middle
at the end

Beginning of Sentence

So far, everything looks good.
Thus far, the plan has succeeded.

Beginning placement often emphasizes the time frame.

Middle of Sentence

We have so far completed three stages.
The committee has thus far approved five applications.

This position is common in formal writing.

End of Sentence

Everything is going well so far.
Progress has been satisfactory thus far.

Ending placement is especially common with so far in conversation.

Sentence Position Comparison

Beginning	Middle	End
So far, we’ve succeeded.	We’ve so far succeeded.	We’ve succeeded so far.
Thus far, the results are positive.	The results have thus far been positive.	The results are positive thus far.

Tense Usage

Both expressions most commonly appear with present perfect tense.

This makes sense because they refer to actions continuing up until now.

Present Perfect

Examples:

I’ve learned a lot so far.
We’ve completed four phases so far.
Thus far, the study has shown consistent results.
Thus far, the company has exceeded expectations.

Present Perfect Continuous

These phrases also work naturally with ongoing actions.

Examples:

I’ve been working here so far without any problems.
We’ve been making steady progress so far.
Thus far, researchers have been collecting data successfully.

Past Perfect

Although less common, both phrases can describe an earlier point in the past.

Examples:

So far, everything had gone according to plan.
Thus far, negotiations had been successful.

Grammar Summary

Tense	So Far	Thus Far
Present Perfect	✔ Very common	✔ Very common
Present Perfect Continuous	✔ Common	✔ Common
Past Perfect	✔ Possible	✔ Possible
Simple Present	Sometimes	Sometimes

Can Thus Far and So Far Be Used Interchangeably?

In many cases, yes.

The meaning remains unchanged.

When They Mean Exactly the Same Thing

Example:

So far, no mistakes have been found.

can become:

Thus far, no mistakes have been found.

Both are grammatically correct.

The only noticeable difference is tone.

More Examples

So far:

We’ve raised $20,000 so far.

Thus far:

We’ve raised $20,000 thus far.

Both communicate identical information.

When One Sounds More Natural

Imagine talking to a friend.

Natural:

So far, I like my new job.

Unusual:

Thus far, I like my new job.

The second sentence isn’t incorrect.

It simply sounds more formal than everyday conversation usually requires.

When to Use “So Far”

If you’re unsure which expression to choose, so far is usually the safest option.

It works naturally in almost every informal setting.

Everyday Conversations

Friends, family, classmates, and coworkers regularly use so far.

Examples:

So far, today’s been great.
So far, I’m enjoying the movie.
Everything has been easy so far.

Progress Updates

Whether discussing school, work, or personal goals, so far is the most common expression.

Examples:

So far, we’ve finished half the project.
I’ve read ten chapters so far.
We’ve received over 1,000 applications so far.

Informal Emails

Emails between coworkers often include:

So far, everything looks good.
So far, we’ve stayed on schedule.
So far, there haven’t been any issues.

News Articles

Journalists frequently use so far because it’s familiar to readers.

Examples:

So far, officials have confirmed twelve cases.
So far, investigators have found no evidence of foul play.
So far, voter turnout remains high.

Speaking with Friends

This is where so far truly dominates.

Examples:

So far, my vacation has been amazing.
So far, college has been challenging but fun.
So far, I haven’t had any problems with the new phone.
So far, everything has gone exactly as planned.
So far, I’m happy with my decision.

Its conversational tone makes it the preferred choice in nearly all everyday interactions.

When to Use “Thus Far”

While so far is the standard choice in everyday English, thus far is more appropriate when writing or speaking in formal contexts. It carries the same meaning but creates a more polished, professional tone.

If your audience expects formal language, thus far is often the better option.

Academic Writing

Students, professors, and researchers frequently use thus far in essays, dissertations, and journal articles because it matches the formal style of academic writing.

Examples:

Thus far, the research supports the original hypothesis.
Thus far, no significant differences have been observed.
Thus far, scholars have focused primarily on environmental factors.
Thus far, the collected data remains consistent.
Thus far, the literature provides limited evidence on this topic.

Business Reports

Companies often use thus far in quarterly reports, financial summaries, and project updates.

Examples:

Thus far, sales have exceeded expectations.
Thus far, the project remains within budget.
Thus far, customer satisfaction has improved by 12%.
Thus far, production targets have been achieved.
Thus far, operating costs have remained stable.

Legal Documents

Legal writing favors precise and formal language, making thus far a natural fit.

Examples:

Thus far, no breach of contract has been established.
Thus far, the court has received all required documents.
Thus far, the investigation has produced no additional evidence.

Research Papers

Scientific and technical writing often includes progress statements.

Examples:

Thus far, researchers have identified three possible causes.
Thus far, testing has confirmed the initial findings.
Thus far, no adverse effects have been reported.

Formal Speeches

Public officials, executives, and academics occasionally use thus far when delivering speeches.

Examples:

Thus far, our efforts have produced encouraging results.
Thus far, we have accomplished many of our objectives.
Thus far, this partnership has been highly successful.

Thus Far vs. Similar Expressions

English offers several phrases that express the idea of “up to now.” Although they are similar, each has its own tone and preferred context.

Up to Now

This phrase is neutral and suitable for both speech and writing.

Example:

Up to now, everything has gone according to plan.

Until Now

This phrase often emphasizes a change that has occurred.

Example:

Until now, I had never traveled abroad.

To Date

This expression is common in business, finance, and research writing.

Example:

To date, the company has completed 18 projects.

As Yet

As yet is more formal and usually appears in negative sentences.

Example:

No solution has been found as yet.

At Present

This phrase focuses on the current situation rather than accumulated progress.

Example:

At present, no additional funding is available.

Comparison Table

Expression	Meaning	Formality	Common Context
So far	Up to now	Neutral	Everyday English
Thus far	Up to this point	Formal	Academic and business writing
Up to now	Until now	Neutral	General writing
Until now	Before this moment	Neutral	Conversation and writing
To date	Up to now	Formal	Reports and research
As yet	So far	Formal	Legal and academic writing
At present	Currently	Neutral	Reports and announcements

Example Sentences

Everyday Conversation

So far, I’m really enjoying my new job.
So far, everything has gone smoothly.
So far, we haven’t encountered any problems.
So far, the vacation has been amazing.
So far, I like living in this city.

Workplace

So far, the project is on schedule.
Thus far, the marketing campaign has generated strong results.
So far, our clients have responded positively.
Thus far, every milestone has been completed.
So far, we’ve reduced operating costs.

Academic Writing

Thus far, no evidence supports the proposed theory.
Thus far, the collected data has been reliable.
Thus far, researchers have examined only two variables.
Thus far, the experiment has produced consistent outcomes.
Thus far, previous studies have reached similar conclusions.

Business Reports

Thus far, quarterly revenue has increased by 18%.
Thus far, employee retention has improved.
Thus far, the expansion strategy has been successful.
Thus far, customer complaints have decreased.
Thus far, market demand remains strong.

News Writing

So far, officials have confirmed ten injuries.
So far, firefighters have contained most of the blaze.
So far, no arrests have been made.
So far, weather conditions remain favorable.
So far, turnout has exceeded expectations.

Formal Speeches

Thus far, our achievements reflect years of dedication.
Thus far, we’ve built strong international partnerships.
Thus far, our organization has served thousands of families.
Thus far, every objective has been met.
Thus far, this initiative has exceeded all expectations.

Real-Life Scenarios

Student Writing an Essay

A university student is writing a literature review.

Instead of writing:

So far, researchers have studied climate change extensively.

The student chooses:

Thus far, researchers have studied climate change extensively.

Because the essay is formal, thus far better matches the academic tone.

Company Progress Report

A project manager prepares a quarterly update.

The report states:

Thus far, construction remains on schedule and under budget.

The phrase sounds professional and objective.

News Interview

A television reporter says:

So far, emergency crews have rescued over fifty people.

Because news reporting aims for clear, accessible language, so far sounds more natural.

Scientific Research

A researcher presents preliminary findings.

Thus far, laboratory testing has confirmed the proposed model.

Again, the formal context favors thus far.

Casual Conversation Between Friends

Two friends discuss a vacation.

Friend A:

How’s your trip?

Friend B:

So far, it’s been fantastic.

Using thus far here would sound unnecessarily formal.

Common Mistakes

Using Thus Far in Casual Conversation

Although grammatically correct, thus far often sounds overly formal in everyday speech.

Less natural:

Thus far, I like this restaurant.

More natural:

So far, I like this restaurant.

Assuming They Have Different Meanings

Many learners believe the two phrases have different definitions.

In reality, their meanings are almost identical.

The difference is mainly style and formality.

Using Incorrect Verb Tenses

Both expressions commonly appear with the present perfect because they describe actions continuing up to the present.

Correct:

So far, I’ve finished five chapters.
Thus far, the company has exceeded expectations.

Less natural:

So far, I finish five chapters.

Overusing Thus Far

Using thus far repeatedly in general writing can make your text sound stiff.

For most blog posts, emails, and conversations, so far is the better choice.

Reserve thus far for genuinely formal situations.

Synonyms and Alternatives

Informal Alternatives

These expressions work well in everyday English:

so far
up to now
until now
at this point
as of now

Formal Alternatives

These are suitable for professional and academic writing:

thus far
to date
to this point
as yet
to this stage

Comparison Table

Phrase	Best For
So far	Conversation, blogs, emails
Thus far	Academic and professional writing
Up to now	General communication
Until now	Everyday speech
To date	Reports and business writing
As yet	Formal negative statements
At this point	Conversations and presentations

Tips for Choosing Between Thus Far and So Far

Choosing the right phrase is easier if you remember a few practical guidelines.

Consider your audience before choosing either expression.
Use so far when speaking with friends, coworkers, or customers.
Choose thus far when writing essays, reports, or research papers.
Match the level of formality to the document.
If you’re unsure, so far is usually the safer and more natural choice.
Avoid forcing thus far into casual conversations simply because it sounds more sophisticated.

Quote: “Good writing isn’t about choosing the fanciest words—it’s about choosing the right words for your audience.”

Conclusion

Although thus far and so far have the same basic meaning—”up to this point”—they are best used in different situations. Thus far works well in formal, academic, and professional writing, while so far is a better fit for casual conversations and everyday communication. Choosing the right phrase helps your writing match the tone and audience.

The key is to focus on the context rather than the meaning alone. If you’re writing a business report, research paper, or formal email, thus far will usually sound more polished. If you’re chatting with friends, sending a text, or writing informally, so far will sound more natural. With regular practice, you’ll be able to use both expressions confidently and correctly.

FAQs

1. Is thus far the same as so far?

Yes. Both phrases mean “up to this point” or “until now.” The main difference is that thus far is more formal, while so far is more casual.

2. When should I use thus far?

Use thus far in formal situations such as business reports, academic papers, official presentations, and professional emails where a more polished tone is appropriate.

3. Is so far correct in professional writing?

Yes, so far is grammatically correct. However, in highly formal documents, many writers prefer thus far because it sounds more professional.

4. Can I use thus far and so far interchangeably?

In most cases, yes, because they have the same meaning. However, you should consider the tone and audience before choosing one over the other.

5. What are some alternatives to thus far and so far?

Some useful alternatives include to date, up to now, until now, as of now, to this point, up until now, and currently, depending on the context and level of formality.

Alyan Ashraf