Have you ever wondered about the difference between thus far vs so far? 🤔 These two expressions can look different, but they often have the same basic meaning: “until now” or “up to this point.” This can make it confusing to know which one is correct and when you should use each phrase.
The good news is that both thus far and so far are grammatically correct when they mean “until now.” The main difference is their tone and style. So far is much more common in everyday American English and sounds natural in conversations, emails, texts, and general writing. Thus far is less common in casual speech and usually sounds more formal, academic, literary, or official.
Understanding thus far vs so far can help you choose the expression that best fits your sentence. Whether you are writing a professional report, completing a school assignment, sending an email, or having a casual conversation, knowing this small difference can make your English clearer and more natural. Who to Contact vs Whom to Contact
Quick Answer: Thus Far vs So Far
Thus far and so far both usually mean “until now” or “up to this point.” They can often replace each other without changing the basic meaning of a sentence.
The key difference is style: so far is more natural and common in everyday American English, while thus far is more formal and is often used in academic, professional, legal, or literary writing.
Examples:
- We have received five applications so far.
- We have received five applications thus far.
Both sentences are grammatically correct. The first sounds more conversational, while the second sounds more formal.
Understanding the Basics of Thus Far vs So Far
Let’s make the difference simple.
What Does “So Far” Mean?
So far is an adverbial expression that means:
- until now
- up to now
- up to this point
- during the time that has passed
It is extremely common in spoken and written English.
For example:
I have watched three episodes so far.
This means that, from the beginning until the present moment, you have watched three episodes.
Another example:
The project is going well so far.
This means that up to the present point, the project is going well.
What Does “Thus Far” Mean?
Thus far also means:
- until now
- up to now
- up to this point
The word thus can mean “in this way” or “to this degree/extent,” but in the expression thus far, it refers to the progress or extent reached up to a particular point.
For example:
The experiment has been successful thus far.
This means:
The experiment has been successful up to this point.
The meaning is almost identical to:
The experiment has been successful so far.
The main difference is the register. “Thus far” sounds more formal.
Thus Far vs So Far: Comparison Table
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Thus + far | So + far |
| Type | Adverbial expression | Adverbial expression |
| Meaning | Until now; up to this point | Until now; up to this point |
| Example | The plan has worked thus far. | The plan has worked so far. |
| Correct/Incorrect | Correct | Correct |
| Style | Formal, literary, academic | Common, conversational, neutral |
| Everyday speech | Less common | Very common |
| Professional writing | Appropriate | Appropriate |
| Academic writing | Appropriate | Appropriate |
| Casual texting | Uncommon | Natural |
The most important point is this:
Neither “thus far” nor “so far” is inherently incorrect.
The choice usually depends on the tone you want.
Correct Meanings and Uses
1. Using “So Far” to Mean “Until Now”
The most common use of so far is to describe something that has happened or remained true from an earlier point until the present.
Example:
I have finished three chapters so far.
Sentence breakdown:
- I = subject
- have finished = present perfect verb
- three chapters = object
- so far = tells us the time period up to now
The speaker is saying that three chapters have been completed up to the present moment.
More examples:
We haven’t received a reply so far.
She has completed ten tasks so far.
The weather has been pleasant so far.
I haven’t had any problems so far.
These are all natural examples of everyday American English.
2. Using “Thus Far” to Mean “Until Now”
Thus far can be used in exactly the same basic way.
For example:
We have completed three chapters thus far.
This means:
We have completed three chapters up to this point.
Another example:
The treatment has been effective thus far.
This means:
The treatment has been effective until now.
The sentence is grammatically correct, but thus far gives it a more formal tone.
3. Talking About Progress
Both expressions can describe progress.
With “so far”:
The team has scored four goals so far.
With “thus far”:
The team has scored four goals thus far.
Both sentences communicate the same basic idea.
However, the first sentence sounds more natural in casual conversation. The second might fit better in a formal report.
4. Talking About Experiences
You can use so far to talk about your experience up to the present.
I really like my new job so far.
So far, the course has been helpful.
I’ve enjoyed the trip so far.
These sentences are very natural.
You can replace so far with thus far:
I really like my new job thus far.
But this sounds noticeably more formal and less conversational.
A native speaker would usually prefer so far in everyday speech.
5. Talking About Results
Both expressions can describe results achieved up to a certain point.
The company has sold 5,000 units so far.
The company has sold 5,000 units thus far.
The second sentence could work well in a formal business report.
The first is more natural for a conversation, news discussion, or general business communication.
“Thus Far” vs “So Far” in Different Sentences
The easiest way to understand the difference is to compare pairs.
Pair 1
I haven’t seen any problems so far.
I haven’t seen any problems thus far.
Both are correct.
So far sounds natural and conversational.
Thus far sounds formal.
Pair 2
The project is successful so far.
The project is successful thus far.
Again, both are possible.
However, the second sounds more like something you might read in a formal report.
Pair 3
We have received 20 responses so far.
We have received 20 responses thus far.
The meaning is essentially the same.
Pair 4
She has performed well so far.
She has performed well thus far.
Both are grammatically correct.
When Should You Use “So Far”?
Use so far when you want your writing or speech to sound:
- natural
- simple
- conversational
- direct
- modern
- easy to understand
It is especially common in:
- everyday conversations
- emails
- text messages
- social media
- casual writing
- general business communication
Examples
How is your new job going so far?
What do you think of the movie so far?
We’ve had no complaints so far.
I’ve learned a lot so far.
Everything looks good so far.
These sentences sound completely natural.
When Should You Use “Thus Far”?
Use thus far when you want a more formal or polished tone.
It can appear in:
- academic writing
- formal reports
- legal writing
- official statements
- formal presentations
- literary writing
- serious professional documents
Examples
The research conducted thus far supports the original hypothesis.
The evidence available thus far is insufficient to reach a final conclusion.
The company has experienced steady growth thus far.
The results obtained thus far are encouraging.
These sentences have a formal tone that fits their contexts.
Is “Thus Far” More Formal Than “So Far”?
Yes. In most modern English contexts, thus far sounds more formal than so far.
That does not mean thus far is better.
It simply means the two expressions can create different impressions.
Compare:
How is the new system working so far?
This sounds friendly and natural.
Now compare:
How is the new system functioning thus far?
This sounds much more formal and perhaps unnecessarily stiff in a casual conversation.
The correct choice depends on your audience and purpose.
Test Tip: How to Check Your Usage
Here is an easy test. 🔍
If you can replace the expression with “until now” or “up to this point”, both so far and thus far will usually work.
Example:
The plan has worked so far.
Replace it:
The plan has worked until now.
The meaning still works.
Now:
The plan has worked thus far.
Again:
The plan has worked until now.
The meaning remains clear.
Quick test:
Can I say “until now”?
- If yes → so far may work.
- If yes → thus far may also work.
- Then choose based on tone.
For casual English, choose so far.
For formal English, thus far may be a better stylistic choice.
Can “Thus Far” and “So Far” Always Replace Each Other?
Not absolutely.
Although they are often interchangeable when they mean “until now,” English expressions depend on context.
So far has other uses that are not equivalent to thus far.
For example:
The restaurant is so far from my house.
Here, so far means “to such a great distance.”
You cannot replace it naturally with thus far:
The restaurant is thus far from my house. ❌
That sentence does not normally communicate the same meaning.
This is an important distinction.
“So far” can mean distance
How so far is the airport?
A more natural sentence would be:
How far is the airport?
Or:
The airport is so far from here.
Here, so far relates to distance.
“Thus far” does not normally have this distance meaning.
Therefore, the expressions are interchangeable mainly when so far means “until now.”
Grammar Rules for Thus Far vs So Far
Both expressions function as adverbial expressions.
They can modify a verb, adjective, or an entire clause depending on the sentence.
Example with “so far”:
We have completed half of the work so far.
The phrase tells us how much progress has occurred up to now.
Example with “thus far”:
We have completed half of the work thus far.
Again, it describes progress up to the current point.
A major English grammar authority such as Merriam-Webster treats thus as an adverb and so as an adverb with multiple meanings. The expression thus far is established English, while so far is also a standard expression meaning “up to now.”
The important grammar lesson is that neither phrase is automatically wrong.
The real question is:
What meaning and tone does the context require?
Where Does “Thus Far” Come From?
The word thus is an older English adverb that can mean “in this way,” “to this degree,” or “to this extent.”
In thus far, the expression developed the meaning of reaching a particular point or extent.
So:
We have progressed thus far.
can be understood as:
We have progressed to this point.
Meanwhile, so far is a more common modern expression for the same general idea:
We have progressed so far.
Over time, so far became extremely common in everyday English.
Common Mistakes With Thus Far vs So Far
Most mistakes with these expressions are not serious grammar errors. They usually involve style, meaning, or context.
Mistake 1: Thinking “Thus Far” Is Wrong
Some writers believe that thus far is incorrect because they hear so far more often.
That is not true.
The project has progressed thus far. ✅
This is grammatically correct.
It simply sounds more formal.
Mistake 2: Thinking “So Far” Is Too Informal for All Professional Writing
So far is not grammatically incorrect in professional writing.
For example:
We have received 15 applications so far.
This is perfectly acceptable.
There is no rule requiring thus far in professional communication.
However, if you are writing a highly formal report, thus far might better match the tone.
Mistake 3: Using “Thus Far” When You Mean Distance
This can create an unnatural sentence.
Incorrect or awkward:
The store is thus far from my house. ❌
If you mean distance, use so far or simply far.
The store is so far from my house. ✅
Mistake 4: Overusing “Thus Far”
Because thus far sounds sophisticated, some writers use it too often.
For example:
I have thus far completed the task, and thus far I have found no errors, and thus far everything has gone well.
This sounds unnecessarily formal and repetitive.
A natural version would be:
I have completed the task so far, and I haven’t found any errors.
Good writing is not about choosing the most complicated expression. It is about choosing the clearest one.
Why Do These Mistakes Happen?
Several everyday factors can cause confusion.
Fast typing ⌨️
When people type quickly, they often choose whichever phrase comes to mind first. This can lead to inconsistent word choices.
Autocorrect 📱
Phones and writing software may suggest or replace words automatically. Writers sometimes accept a suggestion without checking the sentence.
Lack of knowledge 📚
English learners may know that thus far and so far are related but may not understand the difference in tone.
Formal-sounding vocabulary
Words such as thus, therefore, and hence can sound more advanced. This sometimes causes writers to assume they are always better choices.
They are not.
Simple English is often stronger English.
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Confusion | Correct Difference |
|---|---|
| it’s / its | “It’s” = it is; “its” = possessive |
| your / you’re | “Your” = possession; “you’re” = you are |
| their / there / they’re | Possession / place / they are |
| then / than | Time or sequence / comparison |
| affect / effect | Usually verb / usually noun |
| everyday / every day | Adjective / each day |
| farther / further | Often physical distance / often figurative or additional |
| so far / thus far | Same “until now” meaning, but different style |
Notice that so far vs thus far is different from many of these pairs.
It is generally not a matter of one being right and one being wrong.
Instead, it is mainly a matter of meaning and register.
Thus Far vs So Far in Different Contexts
Everyday Conversation 🗣️
In everyday speech, so far is usually the better choice.
How is your new class going so far?
I like the movie so far.
Everything is fine so far.
Using thus far in these situations is grammatically possible, but it can sound overly formal.
Professional Writing 💼
Both can work.
Natural professional style:
We have received 30 applications so far.
More formal style:
We have received 30 applications thus far.
If the document is a simple workplace email, so far is usually perfectly suitable.
If you are preparing a formal report, thus far may fit the tone better.
Academic Writing 🎓
Thus far can be useful in academic writing because it creates a formal tone.
Research thus far has focused mainly on this issue.
However, so far is also grammatically acceptable:
Research so far has focused mainly on this issue.
The first sounds more formal. The second sounds more direct.
Academic writing should prioritize clarity, so do not use thus far simply to make your writing sound more sophisticated.
Creative Writing ✍️
Writers can choose either expression depending on voice.
So far can make narration sound natural:
So far, everything had gone according to plan.
Thus far can create a more formal, dramatic, or literary feeling:
Thus far, the journey had been peaceful.
The choice depends on the narrator’s voice and the atmosphere of the writing.
Social Media and Texting 📱
So far is strongly preferred.
For example:
Best vacation ever so far! 😍
So far, this has been an amazing day!
I’ve watched five episodes so far 😂
Thus far would sound unusual in most casual social media posts.
It is not wrong, but it may sound overly formal.
Case Study: A Workplace Email
Imagine that an employee is updating a manager about a project.
Version with “so far”
We have completed 70% of the project so far, and the team has not experienced any major problems.
This sounds clear, professional, and natural.
Version with “thus far”
We have completed 70% of the project thus far, and the team has not experienced any major problems.
This is also correct.
However, it sounds slightly more formal.
Which one should you choose?
If the email is a normal workplace update, so far is probably the better choice because it is direct and natural.
If the sentence appears in a formal report, thus far may be appropriate.
The lesson
The difference is not about grammar accuracy.
It is about register.
Why the Difference Matters
Choosing between thus far and so far may seem like a tiny detail, but small language choices can affect how your writing feels.
1. Clarity in Communication
So far is immediately familiar to most English speakers.
It communicates the idea quickly.
We have had no problems so far.
The reader understands it instantly.
2. Professionalism
Professional writing does not always mean using complicated words.
A clear sentence is often more professional than an unnecessarily formal one.
For example:
The project is going well so far.
This is simple and professional.
You do not need to change it to:
The project is progressing favorably thus far.
The second sentence sounds more complicated without adding much meaning.
3. Digital Communication
People communicate quickly through:
- messaging apps
- social media
- workplace platforms
- online forms
In these environments, concise language is valuable.
That is why so far is often the better choice.
4. Writing Accuracy
Understanding both expressions prevents you from incorrectly treating one as an error.
You can remember:
So far = common and natural
Thus far = formal and polished
Neither is automatically incorrect when the intended meaning is “until now.”
A Short Quote to Remember
“Good writing is clear before it is fancy.”
That idea is especially useful here. Choose thus far when the formal tone serves a purpose, not simply because it sounds more sophisticated.
Special Exception: “So Far” Can Mean Distance
This is the most important edge case.
So far does not always mean “until now.”
It can also describe distance or degree.
Example:
Why is the airport so far away?
Here, so far means a great distance.
Another example:
I didn’t realize the beach was so far from the hotel.
You cannot normally replace so far with thus far in these sentences.
Therefore, remember:
Thus far ≈ so far only when “so far” means “until now.”
Position of “So Far” and “Thus Far” in a Sentence
Both expressions can appear in several positions.
At the end:
We have completed five lessons so far.
We have completed five lessons thus far.
At the beginning:
So far, we have completed five lessons.
Thus far, we have completed five lessons.
In the middle:
We have, so far, completed five lessons.
We have, thus far, completed five lessons.
The middle position often requires commas because the phrase is being inserted parenthetically.
In normal writing, the beginning or end position is usually cleaner.
Which One Is More Common?
In everyday modern American English, so far is much more common.
That is why you will frequently hear:
I’ve enjoyed it so far.
rather than:
I’ve enjoyed it thus far.
The second version is perfectly grammatical, but it has a more formal flavor.
If your goal is natural everyday American English, so far is usually the safest choice.
Can You Use “Thus Far” in a Casual Conversation?
Yes, but it may sound formal.
For example:
How is your new phone working thus far?
There is nothing grammatically wrong with it.
But a typical casual speaker is more likely to say:
How is your new phone working so far?
This is a good example of why grammar and natural style are not always the same thing.
Can You Use “So Far” in Formal Writing?
Absolutely.
For example:
The evidence collected so far does not support the claim.
This is clear and grammatically correct.
You do not have to replace so far with thus far just because the document is formal.
In fact, many professional and academic writers prefer plain language when it communicates the idea effectively.
Quick Recap Checklist
Use this checklist whenever you are unsure. ✅
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Do I mean “until now”? | So far or thus far |
| Am I writing casually? | So far |
| Am I speaking naturally? | So far |
| Do I want a formal tone? | Thus far |
| Am I writing a formal report? | Thus far can fit |
| Do I mean physical distance? | So far |
| Do I want simple, modern English? | So far |
| Is “thus far” being used only to sound fancy? | Prefer so far |
Practice Example 1
I have read three chapters ___.
Answer: so far or thus far
For everyday writing, so far is more natural.
Practice Example 2
The research conducted ___ provides useful information.
Answer: thus far or so far
Both are correct, but thus far gives the sentence a more formal tone.
Practice Example 3
The store is ___ from my house that I usually drive there.
Answer: so far
Here, so far relates to distance. Thus far does not work as a normal replacement.
FAQs About Thus Far vs So Far
1. Is “thus far” grammatically correct?
Yes. Thus far is grammatically correct and means “until now” or “up to this point.” It is generally more formal than so far.
2. Is “so far” grammatically correct?
Yes. So far is completely correct and extremely common in American English. When it means “until now,” it can often replace thus far.
3. What is the main difference between thus far and so far?
The main difference is style. So far is common, natural, and conversational, while thus far is more formal, literary, or academic.
4. Can I use “thus far” in everyday conversation?
Yes, but it may sound more formal than necessary. In most casual conversations, so far sounds more natural.
5. Can “so far” mean something other than “until now”?
Yes. So far can also refer to distance or degree. For example, “The airport is so far away” refers to distance. Thus far cannot normally replace so far in this meaning.
6. Which is better for professional writing: “thus far” or “so far”?
Both are correct. Choose so far for clear, natural professional communication and thus far when a more formal tone fits the document. Grammar alone does not require one over the other.
Conclusion
When comparing thus far vs so far, the most important thing to remember is that both expressions can mean “until now” or “up to this point.” Neither is automatically wrong. The biggest difference is their tone and common usage.
So far is the natural choice for everyday American English. It works well in conversations, emails, texts, social media posts, and most general writing. Thus far carries a more formal tone and can work especially well in academic writing, reports, official documents, and literary contexts.
There is also one important exception: so far can describe distance, as in “The airport is so far away.” In that meaning, thus far cannot normally replace it.
So, when in doubt, use so far for simple and natural communication. Choose thus far when you intentionally want a more formal tone.
Remember: “So far” is usually the everyday choice; “thus far” is the formal choice. ✨
Hi, I’m Alexander Hayes, a grammar and writing specialist at Gramcora. I enjoy creating informative resources that help students, professionals, and English learners write with confidence and accuracy.
