When comparing thus far vs so far, many English learners wonder whether these expressions have different meanings or simply offer two ways to say the same thing. Both phrases are commonly used to describe something that has happened up to the present point in time, but they can differ slightly in tone, style, and context.
Understanding the distinction is useful when writing emails, essays, reports, conversations, and everyday English. So far is generally more natural and common in ordinary conversation, while thus far often sounds more formal, literary, or professional. In many sentences, either phrase can work without changing the basic meaning. However, choosing the right expression can make your English sound more natural and appropriate for the situation.
Quick Answer
Thus far and so far usually mean the same thing: up to this point or until now. “So far” is more common in everyday English, while “thus far” is more formal and often appears in academic, professional, or written contexts.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion comes from the fact that thus far and so far can often replace each other without changing the main meaning.
For example:
- We have received five applications so far.
- We have received five applications thus far.
Both sentences mean that five applications have been received up to now.
The main difference is style and tone, rather than meaning.
So far is:
- More conversational
- More common in everyday speech
- Natural in informal writing
- Frequently used by native speakers
Thus far is:
- More formal
- More common in formal writing
- Suitable for reports and academic contexts
- Sometimes more literary or old-fashioned
First Word: Thus Far
Thus far means up to this point, until now, or so far.
The phrase uses thus, which can mean “in this way” or “to this extent,” but in thus far, the expression refers to the progress or situation reached at the present moment.
Examples of Thus Far
- Thus far, the project has been successful.
- We have found no evidence thus far.
- Thus far, everything has gone according to plan.
- The results thus far are encouraging.
“Thus far” tends to sound more formal than “so far,” making it especially useful in professional and academic writing.
Second Word: So Far
So far also means up to now, until now, or up to this point.
It is one of the most natural ways to talk about progress, experiences, events, or results that have occurred before the present moment.
Examples of So Far
- I have enjoyed the course so far.
- So far, everything is going well.
- We haven’t had any problems so far.
- How is your new job going so far?
Because it sounds natural and relaxed, so far is usually the better choice for everyday conversations.
Thus Far vs So Far: Comparison Table
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | Up to this point | Up to this point |
| Meaning difference | Usually none | Usually none |
| Tone | Formal | Neutral/informal |
| Everyday conversation | Less common | Very common |
| Academic writing | Common | Also acceptable |
| Professional writing | Appropriate | Appropriate |
| Casual messages | Can sound formal | Natural |
| Meaning of time | Until now | Until now |
When to Use Each
Use “So Far” in Everyday English
Choose so far when you are speaking naturally with friends, family, coworkers, or other people in casual situations.
Examples:
- How are you liking the movie so far?
- So far, I haven’t seen anything unusual.
- The trip has been great so far.
Use “Thus Far” in Formal Writing
Thus far can be useful when you want a more formal or polished tone.
Examples:
- The investigation has revealed no significant problems thus far.
- The research has produced promising results thus far.
- The company has experienced steady growth thus far.
However, “thus far” is not automatically better simply because it sounds formal. If “so far” communicates the idea naturally, it is perfectly correct.
Examples of Thus Far vs So Far
Here are examples showing how both expressions can work in similar contexts:
- I have enjoyed the book so far.
- I have enjoyed the book thus far.
- So far, we have completed three chapters.
- Thus far, we have completed three chapters.
- Everything has gone smoothly so far.
- Everything has gone smoothly thus far.
- The treatment has been effective so far.
- The treatment has been effective thus far.
- We haven’t encountered any major difficulties so far.
- We haven’t encountered any major difficulties thus far.
- The results so far are encouraging.
- The results thus far are encouraging.
The pairs have essentially the same meaning. The main change is the level of formality.
Common Mistakes
1. Assuming “Thus Far” Has a Completely Different Meaning
Some learners think thus far refers to a different type of situation.
Usually, it does not.
Thus far = So far = Up to this point
2. Using “Thus Far” in Every Situation
Although grammatically correct, thus far can sound unnecessarily formal in casual conversation.
Instead of:
How has your vacation been thus far?
Most everyday speakers would naturally say:
How has your vacation been so far?
3. Thinking “So Far” Is Incorrect in Formal Writing
“So far” is not grammatically wrong in formal writing. It can be completely appropriate depending on the sentence and desired tone.
4. Confusing “Thus” With “Thus Far”
Thus by itself can have meanings such as “therefore” or “in this way,” while thus far specifically means up to this point.
Memory Trick
Use this simple trick:
SO FAR = everyday “until now”
THUS FAR = formal “until now”
Think of so far as the phrase you are more likely to say in a normal conversation.
Think of thus far as a phrase you may encounter in a report, essay, research paper, or formal statement.
So far → casual and natural
Thus far → formal and polished
American vs British English
Both so far and thus far are understood in American and British English.
There is no major difference in meaning between the varieties of English. The important distinction is register and style, not nationality.
So far is widely used in everyday English in both varieties.
Thus far is also used in both, particularly in formal, written, academic, or professional contexts.
For natural everyday communication, so far is generally the more straightforward choice.
Similar Words and Phrases
Several expressions can communicate a similar idea:
- Up to now — from the past until the present
- Until now — before the present moment
- To date — up to the present date, often formal
- As of now — at the present time
- So far — up to this point
- Thus far — up to this point, with a more formal tone
- Up to this point — explicitly refers to the current stage
For example:
The project has been successful so far.
You could also say:
The project has been successful up to now.
Or, in a more formal style:
The project has been successful thus far.
FAQs:
Is “thus far” the same as “so far”?
Yes. In most contexts, thus far and so far mean “up to now” or “up to this point.” The main difference is tone: “thus far” is generally more formal.
Is “thus far” grammatically correct?
Yes. Thus far is a standard English expression meaning “up to this point” or “until now.”
Is “so far” more common than “thus far”?
Yes. So far is generally more common in everyday English and sounds more natural in ordinary conversation.
Can I use “thus far” in an academic essay?
Yes. Thus far can be appropriate in academic writing, particularly when discussing research, evidence, findings, or progress.
Is “so far” formal English?
“So far” is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, it generally has a more neutral and conversational tone than “thus far.”
Can “thus far” and “so far” be used interchangeably?
Often, yes. If the sentence means “up to now,” you can frequently substitute one for the other, although the tone may change.
What is another word for “thus far”?
Depending on the sentence, alternatives include so far, until now, up to now, up to this point, and to date.
Final Verdict
Thus far and so far generally have the same meaning: up to now or up to this point. The key difference is their tone. So far is the more natural choice for everyday conversations and general writing, while thus far tends to create a more formal or literary impression.
When deciding between them, think about your audience and the setting. You do not need to choose thus far simply because it sounds sophisticated. In many situations, the simple and familiar so far is the clearest option.
Remember This
- So far = up to now; natural and common.
- Thus far = up to now; more formal.
- Both usually have the same basic meaning.
- Use so far for everyday communication.
- Use thus far when a formal or polished tone fits the context.
- Neither expression is inherently more grammatically correct than the other.
Conclusion
The difference between thus far vs so far is mainly about style, not meaning. Both expressions describe something that has happened or been true from an earlier point until the present. “So far” is the more familiar choice, while “thus far” can sound more formal and deliberate.
If you’re writing a casual message, having a conversation, or simply want natural everyday English, so far is usually the easiest choice. For formal reports, academic discussions, or professional writing, thus far can fit well when you want a more formal register. The important thing is to understand that both phrases are correct and that context determines which one sounds most natural.
