Is It Correct to Say “Thus Far”?

In conversations, emails, books, and boardrooms, the phrase “thus far” often blends into everyday speech without a second thought. I’ve come across it in casual chats and high-stakes meetings – and every time, it made me pause and wonder if it was correct. The short answer? Absolutely. This phrase has stood strong for centuries, appearing in both formal writing and day-to-day talk. What makes it valuable is how, when, and why it’s used. Everything hinges on the tone, the audience, and the context. Some use it to sound refined, even when “so far” might work just fine.

This comprehensive dive into “thus far” is a clear guide that breaks things down step by step. It covers the meaning, explores grammar and usage, and offers alternatives depending on the situation. You’ll find real-life examples, literary references, and smart, practical tips to help you avoid misuse. Once you grasp its role in a sentence, “thus far” becomes more than a phrase – it becomes a precise instrument in your everyday communication.

Exploring the Meaning of “Thus Far” in American English

The phrase “thus far” is commonly used to mean “up to this point” or “until now.” It’s a time-oriented expression that reflects on progress made or conditions observed from the past leading up to the current moment.

What It Conveys

• Progress: “The project has gone smoothly thus far.”
• Expectation: “Thus far, the results are promising.”
• Caution or Uncertainty: “We’ve had no issues thus far, but we’re staying alert.”

While some people might find it formal, “thus far” is used both in formal writing and casual conversations, especially when there’s a need to add gravity or distance to a statement.

Defining the Phrase Within the Context of Progress

“Thus far” always implies a point along a timeline. It’s forward-looking in nature but firmly rooted in what’s already happened.

Here’s a breakdown of how it compares with other common phrases:

Phrase	Meaning	Formality	Example
Thus far	Until now / Up to this point	Medium-High	“Thus far, we’ve raised $20,000.”
So far	Until now	Casual-Medium	“So far, everything’s going well.”
This far	To this extent or distance	Medium	“We’ve never come this far before.”

So, when you’re writing or speaking about progress, performance, or development, “thus far” becomes a natural linguistic tool.

Interpreting “Thus Far” in Different Scenarios

Whether you’re in the lab, at a corporate meeting, or writing your memoir, “thus far” serves a flexible function. Let’s see it at work:

Business Context

• “The partnership has proved successful thus far, with a 15% increase in ROI.”

Scientific Research

• “Thus far, no studies have shown adverse effects.”

Personal Storytelling

• “I’ve enjoyed every chapter of my career thus far.”

It can show cautious optimism or be used as a verbal checkpoint, signaling reflection and ongoing action.

The Grammatical Correctness of “Thus Far”

From a grammatical standpoint, “thus far” is perfectly correct. It’s an adverbial phrase, functioning as a time modifier. It typically appears:

• Mid-sentence: “The results, thus far, are encouraging.”
• At the beginning: “Thus far, we haven’t encountered issues.”
• At the end: “No problems have arisen thus far.”

It aligns with standard English conventions and is recognized in major dictionaries such as:

• Merriam-Webster: “Up to the present time”
• Oxford English Dictionary: “To this point; so far”

So yes, grammatically, it’s clean, elegant, and entirely acceptable.

How and When to Use “Thus Far” in Communication

When you’re trying to sound polished or thoughtful, “thus far” is a better fit than its more casual cousin “so far.” It’s also especially useful when you want to add a touch of formality without sounding stiff.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Project updates
• Academic or professional writing
• Reflective emails
• Legal or policy documents

Here’s a quick guide:

Scenario	Use “Thus Far”?	Why?
Email to boss	✅	Professional tone
Casual text to a friend	❌	Too formal
Scientific paper	✅	Adds precision
Marketing blog	✅	Emphasizes progress without fluff

Tip: When unsure, try swapping “thus far” with “so far”  –  if the sentence still works but feels less refined, you’re using it right.

“Thus Far” as a Formal Expression

One reason “thus far” holds ground in both modern and classical English is its tone of restraint and clarity. It’s subtle, serious, and respectful.

Formal Synonyms

• Up until now
• To this point
• Hitherto (more old-fashioned)

These alternatives vary in tone and frequency of use. “Thus far” strikes a balance between accessible and sophisticated  –  and that’s part of its charm.

Common Contexts for Using the Term

Let’s explore a few recurring environments where “thus far” naturally appears:

1. Academic Writing

“Thus far, no empirical evidence supports the theory.”

2. Legal Opinions

“The defendant has complied with all regulations thus far.”

3. Financial Analysis

“Stock performance thus far has exceeded projections.”

These are situations where accuracy, credibility, and pacing matter. “Thus far” keeps things measured and grounded.

Choosing Between “Thus Far” and “So Far”

While often used interchangeably, the tone and audience make all the difference. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Thus Far	So Far
Tone	Formal, polished	Conversational, relaxed
Common In	Reports, speeches, essays	Emails, chats, casual talk
Feel	Cautious, balanced	Friendly, informal
Synonyms	Hitherto, up to now	Until now, up to this point

So, if you’re pitching to investors, go with “thus far.” Texting a friend? “So far” is your guy.

Illustrating “Thus Far” with Sentence Examples

Clear, Contextual Use Cases:

• Business: “Revenue has doubled thus far in Q2.”
• Education: “Thus far, students have shown strong improvement.”
• Health: “No side effects have been reported thus far.”

Want more sentence inspiration? Here’s a table:

Situation

Example Sentence

Product launch

“The campaign has been a success thus far.”

Medical trial

“Thus far, the treatment has been effective.”

Sports commentary

“The team has played exceptionally well thus far.”

The Usage of “Thus Far” in Literary Works

From Shakespeare to modern novels, “thus far” has left its mark.

Shakespearean Use

“Thus far into the bowels of the land…”  –  Richard II

Here, the phrase reflects distance and action, not just time. That dual meaning still exists today.

Modern Fiction

“She had managed, thus far, to keep her secret safe.”

The phrase helps slow the pace, adding a pause that emphasizes inner conflict or progress.

Historic References in Shakespeare’s Plays

Shakespeare used “thus far” to build tension and foreshadow change. In Macbeth, Richard II, and Julius Caesar, this phrase often serves as a bridge between reflection and action.

Example from Macbeth

“Thus far our fortune keeps an onward course.”

This phrase injects a sense of controlled momentum, suggesting both pride and looming uncertainty  –  exactly how it’s used today in political speeches and negotiations.

Alternative Phrases to “Thus Far” and Their Contexts

When you want variation, consider the following:

Alternative	Tone	Use Case Example
Up to now	Neutral	“Up to now, I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
To date	Formal	“To date, we’ve completed 70% of tasks.”
Until this point	Semi-formal	“Until this point, our results were flat.”
As of now	Conversational	“As of now, nothing’s changed.”

Each version tweaks the tone and intention, allowing you to sound more natural or more deliberate, depending on your needs.

Understanding “Thus Far” Versus “This Far”

These two get mixed up often  –  but they’re not quite the same.

Expression	Focus	Example
Thus far	Time/progress	“Thus far, he’s stayed committed.”
This far	Extent/distance	“I didn’t come this far to give up now.”

• Use “this far” when you’re talking about effort, journey, or physical/emotional investment.
• Use “thus far” when you’re measuring progress or outcomes over time.

Final Thoughts

The phrase “thus far” may look formal, even a little old-fashioned, but it’s incredibly relevant in today’s communication. Whether you’re drafting a report, delivering a speech, or reflecting in your journal, knowing when to use “thus far” helps you sound clear, intentional, and professional. It’s more than just words  –  it shows the speaker is measuring progress and thinking about what’s next.

The key is context. Use “thus far” when you want to sound polished or when the situation calls for a bit more formality. If you’re aiming for a casual tone, “so far” might fit better. Either way, mastering the differences between these phrases can elevate your writing and speaking with just a subtle tweak.

FAQs

What does “thus far” mean?

“Thus far” means “until now” or “up to this point.” It’s used to reflect on progress or the current state of something without suggesting that it’s complete.

Is “thus far” grammatically correct?

Yes, “thus far” is 100% grammatically correct. It’s an adverbial phrase and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence depending on what you’re trying to emphasize.

Can “thus far” be used in everyday conversation?

Absolutely. While it’s more formal than “so far,” it can still be used in daily speech, especially when you want to sound thoughtful or measured. For example: “Thus far, everything’s been fine.”

What’s the difference between “thus far” and “this far”?

“Thus far” refers to time and progress. “This far” usually refers to physical or emotional distance. Example:

• “Thus far, the results are good.” (time)
• “I didn’t come this far to quit.” (distance/effort)

Are there other ways to say “thus far”?

Yes, here are a few alternatives depending on tone:

• Formal: To date, until this point
• Neutral: So far, up to now
• Casual: As of now

Choose based on your audience and how formal you want to sound.