Thus Far vs So Far: Meaning, Usage, and Differences

A small change in wording can sometimes make a sentence sound noticeably more formal. That is exactly what happens with thus far vs so far. Both expressions generally mean “up to this point” or “until now,” but they differ slightly in tone, style, and context.

If you have wondered whether so far vs thus far has a real grammatical difference, the short answer is: the meaning is usually the same, but the style is different. So far is more common in everyday English, while thus far tends to sound more formal or literary.

Thus Far vs So Far: The Quick Answer

Both thus far and so far can mean up to this point, until now, or up to the present time.

For example:

So far, everything is going well.

Thus far, everything is going well.

Both sentences are grammatically correct and communicate essentially the same idea. The first sounds more natural in everyday conversation; the second has a more formal feel.

What Does “So Far” Mean?

So far means up to now or up to this point in time.

It is extremely common in spoken and written English and can be used in casual, professional, and academic contexts.

Examples include:

• The project has gone well so far.
• So far, we haven’t received any complaints.
• How are you enjoying the course so far?
• The team has won five games so far.

In each case, so far describes something that has happened from the beginning of a period until the present.

So Far in Everyday English

If you’re having a normal conversation, so far is usually the most natural choice.

For example:

I’ve watched three episodes so far.

This sounds completely natural.

You could replace it with:

I’ve watched three episodes thus far.

The grammar is fine, but the sentence sounds considerably more formal and may feel unnatural in casual conversation.

What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

Thus far also means up to now, until now, or up to this point.

The word thus traditionally carries a formal meaning similar to “in this way” or “to this extent,” depending on context. In the expression thus far, it means approximately up to this point.

For example:

Thus far, the investigation has revealed no evidence of wrongdoing.

This means:

Up to this point, the investigation has revealed no evidence of wrongdoing.

When Is “Thus Far” Used?

You are more likely to encounter thus far in:

• Formal writing
• Reports
• Academic writing
• Business documents
• Legal or official language
• Literature
• Speeches

For example:

The results obtained thus far support the original hypothesis.

This sounds appropriate in a formal report.

Thus Far vs So Far Meaning

The thus far vs so far meaning is essentially the same when the expressions refer to time.

Both can mean:

• Until now
• Up to now
• Up to this point
• To the present time

Consider these two sentences:

We have completed six stages so far.

We have completed six stages thus far.

The basic information is identical. The main difference is register, meaning the level of formality associated with the expression.

So far is neutral and conversational.

Thus far is more formal and sometimes sounds more deliberate or literary.

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

The most important difference is not meaning but tone and frequency.

1. So Far Is More Common

So far is the everyday expression most English speakers naturally use.

How is your new job going so far?

This sounds perfectly normal.

2. Thus Far Sounds More Formal

Thus far can make the same statement sound more formal.

How has your new position progressed thus far?

This is grammatically correct but much less conversational.

3. So Far Works Well in Conversation

When speaking with friends, family, or colleagues, so far is generally the safer choice.

4. Thus Far Can Suit Formal Writing

When writing a report, essay, research paper, or formal statement, thus far may fit the tone better.

However, using thus far does not automatically make writing better. Choose the expression that matches the context.

Thus Far vs So Far Examples

Seeing the two expressions side by side makes the distinction clearer.

Example 1: Progress

Conversational:

The project is going well so far.

More formal:

The project has progressed successfully thus far.

Example 2: Results

Conversational:

We haven’t found anything unusual so far.

Formal:

We have identified no unusual findings thus far.

Example 3: Experience

Conversational:

I’m enjoying the course so far.

Formal:

The course has been beneficial thus far.

Example 4: Events

Conversational:

So far, everything has gone according to plan.

Formal:

Thus far, everything has proceeded according to plan.

The meaning remains virtually unchanged.

Can You Use “Thus Far” in Casual Conversation?

Yes. There is nothing grammatically wrong with using thus far in casual speech.

The issue is simply that it may sound unusually formal.

For instance:

“How’s the movie?”

“It’s interesting thus far.”

This is correct, but:

“It’s interesting so far.”

sounds much more natural in ordinary conversation.

So, if you’re unsure, so far is generally the more natural option.

Can You Use “So Far” in Formal Writing?

Absolutely.

There’s no rule saying that so far is too informal for every formal situation. It is a standard English expression and can appear in professional and academic writing.

For example:

The evidence collected so far does not support the claim.

This is perfectly acceptable.

In fact, choosing a simpler expression can sometimes make formal writing clearer.

“This Far” vs “Thus Far”

Another common source of confusion is this far or thus far.

These expressions aren’t always interchangeable.

Thus Far

Thus far usually means:

Up to this point in time.

Example:

Thus far, the experiment has produced consistent results.

This Far

This far generally refers to a particular extent, distance, or stage.

Example:

I didn’t expect the road to extend this far.

Here, this far refers to physical distance.

It can also refer to progress:

I can’t believe we’ve come this far.

That means the speaker is referring to the amount of progress that has been made.

Compare the Two

Thus far, the project has been successful.

= Up to now, the project has been successful.

The project has come this far.

= The project has reached this particular stage or level of progress.

So although the expressions can occasionally overlap, they are not simply interchangeable.

Is “Thus Far” Grammatically Correct?

Yes. Thus far is a standard and grammatically correct English expression.

It commonly functions as an adverbial phrase describing something that has happened up to the present point.

For example:

Thus far, the company has exceeded its targets.

There is no grammatical problem with the sentence.

Is “So Far” Grammatically Correct?

Yes. So far is also completely standard English.

For example:

So far, we have received 200 applications.

It can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence:

So far, the results are encouraging.

The results are encouraging so far.

Both are correct.

Where Should “So Far” Appear in a Sentence?

There is some flexibility.

At the Beginning

So far, the plan is working.

This places emphasis on the current stage.

At the End

The plan is working so far.

This is very natural in conversation.

In a Question

How is the project going so far?

This is one of the most common uses.

Where Should “Thus Far” Appear in a Sentence?

Thus far can also appear in different positions.

Beginning

Thus far, the evidence remains inconclusive.

End

The evidence remains inconclusive thus far.

The first version has a slightly more formal, report-like quality.

Common Mistakes With Thus Far and So Far

Mistake 1: Assuming They Have Completely Different Meanings

They generally don’t when referring to time.

So far = up to now
Thus far = up to now

The major distinction is style.

Mistake 2: Using “This Far” When You Mean “Until Now”

Consider:

This far, we have received ten applications.

In most contexts, the intended expression should be:

So far, we have received ten applications.

Or:

Thus far, we have received ten applications.

Mistake 3: Assuming “Thus Far” Is Always Better

More formal does not necessarily mean better.

If you’re writing a casual email, so far may be clearer and more natural.

Which Should You Use: Thus Far or So Far?

Use the context to decide.

Choose “So Far” When:

• You’re speaking casually.
• You’re writing an everyday email.
• You’re asking about someone’s experience.
• You want natural, straightforward English.
• You’re writing for a general audience.

Choose “Thus Far” When:

• You’re writing formally.
• The surrounding language is professional.
• You’re discussing results or developments.
• You want a more formal or literary tone.
• The context naturally supports formal vocabulary.

A simple rule is:

When in doubt, use “so far.”

It is widely understood and sounds natural in almost every ordinary situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “thus far” the same as “so far”?

Yes, when referring to time, thus far and so far generally mean the same thing: up to now or up to this point. The main difference is tone, with thus far sounding more formal.

Which is more common, “so far” or “thus far”?

So far is considerably more common in everyday English. Thus far appears more often in formal, professional, academic, or literary writing.

Is “thus far” formal?

Yes. Thus far generally has a more formal or literary tone than so far, although it is not grammatically restricted to formal writing.

Can I use “so far” in academic writing?

Yes. So far is grammatically correct and can be used in academic writing. Whether it is the best choice depends on the tone and style of the particular paper.

Is “this far” the same as “thus far”?

Not always. Thus far usually means up to now, while this far often refers to a particular distance, extent, or stage of progress.

Is “so far” grammatically correct?

Yes. So far is a standard English expression meaning up to now or until this point.

What does “thus far” mean?

Thus far means up to this point, until now, or up to the present time.

Can “thus far” be used at the end of a sentence?

Yes. For example:

The results have been encouraging thus far.

It can also appear at the beginning:

Thus far, the results have been encouraging.

Conclusion: Thus Far vs So Far

The difference between thus far vs so far is much simpler than it may initially appear. When you’re talking about something that has happened up to now, both expressions can communicate the same basic meaning.

The real distinction is tone. So far is common, natural, and conversational, while thus far is more formal and is often found in professional, academic, or literary contexts.

And remember the related expression this far. Unlike thus far, it often refers to a specific distance, extent, or stage of progress.

In short:

• So far = up to now; natural and widely used
• Thus far = up to now; more formal
• This far = to this point or extent, often referring to distance or progress

Once you understand that distinction, choosing between so far vs thus far becomes straightforward.