The English language often makes writers, students, and native speakers pause and wonder, and Thus Far vs So Far shows this clearly in one sentence choice today.In modern English and everyday English, the difference between thus far and so far reflects evolution rooted in tradition, etymology, and phrase longevity that has survived centuries.While mid-typing, you may feel like a detective at a crime scene, deciding which choice fits the context and tone.
From a linguistics perspective, this guide reflects a comprehensive dive using real-life references, literary references, examples, tables, and scenarios that mirror how people actually communicate. In formal writing, business writing, reports, presentations, and meetings, thus far suits formal situations with academic tone, professional tone, and formality, sounding refined, polished, and confident.
In casual conversation, everyday talk, and casual emails, so far feels natural and simple. It’s not right or wrong but appropriateness, setting, audience, and precision, much like choosing a tuxedo or sweatpants for a Zoom call—both are technically fine, but the role and progress indicator of what’s achieved decide what fits seamlessly.
Why “Thus Far vs So Far” Confuses So Many Writers
You’ve probably had this moment. You’re writing an update:
“The project has worked thus far…”
or
“The project has worked so far…”
Both look correct. Both mean “up to this point.” Yet one feels like it belongs in a formal report, while the other sounds perfect in a text message. That’s the tension this article resolves.
These two expressions carry similar meaning but very different connotations. Readers pick up on those cues instantly even if they can’t explain why.
Difference Between Thus Far and So Far: Quick Comparison Table
Before diving into history or grammar, here’s the clearest snapshot of the entire topic:
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone | Best Context | Natural in Speech |
| Thus far | Up to this point | Formal, polished | Academic writing, business reports, formal emails | Rarely |
| So far | Up to now | Casual, conversational | Everyday speech, texting, informal writing | Yes |
Key takeaway:
If you’re speaking, use so far. If you’re writing formally, use thus far.
Everything else in this article expands and deepens that difference with real examples.
What “Thus” Really Means and Why It Feels Formal
You can’t understand thus far without understanding thus itself.
Literal Meaning of “Thus”
The word thus essentially means:
- in this way
- therefore
- as a result
- up to this point (when paired with far)
It has roots in Old English and has always carried a logical or sequential undertone. That’s why it appears naturally in:
- academic writing
- legal writing
- scientific explanations
- traditional literature
It signals that you’re guiding the reader through a precise thought.
Why “Thus Far” Sounds Formal Immediately
You almost never hear someone say:
“Thus far, I’ve only eaten cereal today.”
It sounds humorous because it feels overdressed for such a simple idea. Spoken English favors lighter, faster expressions. “Thus” has weight because it signals reasoning, logic, and structure.
When you pair “thus” with “far,” you create a phrase that feels right at home in:
- progress reports
- academic summaries
- reflective writing
- annual reviews
- formal emails
It’s polished, but it’s not a phrase for casual chatter.
Why “So Far” Sounds Natural and Human
“So far” fits perfectly into the rhythm of everyday speech.
Spoken English Favors Simplicity
Say this out loud:
“So far, everything looks good.”
It flows. It’s quick. It’s intuitive.
Now try:
“Thus far, everything looks good.”
Your brain almost slows down as you speak it.
“That feels a little formal,” is what most people think—even if both sentences are technically correct.
Why “So Far” Feels Friendly
“So” is one of the most flexible words in spoken English. You use it to emphasize, soften, question, connect, and react.
That familiarity makes “so far” blend effortlessly into:
- casual conversation
- warm emails
- text messages
- storytelling
It doesn’t carry formality at all. It’s simply natural.
Grammar Rules for “Thus Far” and “So Far”
Do you need a comma?
Most of the time, no.
You don’t need commas after introductory adverbs unless there’s a real pause or you’re clarifying meaning.
Correct
So far things are going well.
Thus far the team has met all milestones.
Optional comma (adds a soft pause):
So far, things are going well.
Thus far, the team has met all milestones.
Part of Speech
Both “thus far” and “so far” function as adverbial phrases because they modify verbs by showing time progression.
- They tell how long something has happened.
- They never modify nouns.
- They can be moved within the sentence without breaking it.
Example:
The project has succeeded so far.
So far the project has succeeded.
Thus far the project has succeeded.
All work.
Placement Rule
Put them near the beginning or middle, not the end.
Awkward:
The project has succeeded, so far.
Better:
So far the project has succeeded.
Real-World Examples of “Thus Far” vs “So Far”
Let’s look at how each functions in everyday and professional situations.
Professional and Academic Examples Using “Thus Far”
These examples show how “thus far” helps you maintain a polished tone.
Business Reports
- “The partnership has generated a 20% revenue increase thus far.”
- “Thus far the client feedback has aligned with our projections.”
- “Expenses have remained under budget thus far despite rising vendor costs.”
Research Papers
- “Thus far the data supports the original hypothesis.”
- “No anomalies have been identified thus far in the sample set.”
Legal Writing
- “Thus far no evidence contradicts the witness statement.”
- “The investigation has revealed no statutory violations thus far.”
Performance Reviews
- “The employee has exceeded all quarterly benchmarks thus far.”
Everyday Examples Using “So Far”
These examples reflect casual, natural communication.
Text Messages
- “So far it’s been a good day.”
- “So far I’ve watched three episodes.”
Conversations
- “So far he’s enjoying his new job.”
- “So far everything seems on track.”
Social Media
- “So far this week has been chaos but in a fun way.”
Work Chats (Casual Offices)
- “So far the design looks clean and simple.”
When Using One Sounds Wrong or Unnatural
When “Thus Far” Feels Too Formal
You shouldn’t use “thus far” when the context is:
- casual texting
- friendly conversations
- informal group chats
- everyday storytelling
Example:
“Thus far I’ve only had coffee” sounds like you’re narrating a documentary.
When “So Far” Feels Too Casual
Use caution with “so far” in:
- research writing
- grant proposals
- legal communications
- formal business reports
- academic submissions
Example:
“So far the initial findings support the theory” works, but it may feel too relaxed for top-tier academic work.
Understanding the Phrase “Thus Far and No Further”
This expression is stronger and sharper than either phrase used alone.
Meaning
It means:
“Up to this point and absolutely no more.”
It sets a boundary. It signals finality.
Modern Usage Examples
- Politics: “Thus far and no further will the committee accept late submissions.”
- Parenting: “You can argue thus far and no further.”
- Relationships: “I’ll compromise thus far and no further.”
- Workplace: “Thus far and no further—this is the last budget revision.”
It’s forceful and intentional.
Read More: Sorry to Bother You vs Sorry for Bothering You: The Real Difference
Alternatives to “Thus Far” and “So Far”
Sometimes you want variety or a different tone. Here’s a list of reliable substitutes.
Formal Alternatives to “Thus Far”
These options work well in polished documents:
- To date
- Up to this point
- Until now
- At present
- Heretofore (very formal and uncommon)
- Hitherto (archaic except in literary or legal settings)
Example:
“To date the campaign has produced outstanding results.”
Informal Alternatives to “So Far”
These sound conversational and friendly:
- Up till now
- As of now
- Right now
- At this point
- Up to now
Example:
“Up till now things have gone smoothly.”
Decision Guide: Which Should You Use?
To choose correctly between thus far and so far, ask yourself three quick questions.
1. Are you speaking or writing?
- If you’re speaking → use so far
- If you’re writing formally → use thus far
2. Who’s your audience?
- Professional, academic, strict? → thus far
- Friends, coworkers, general readers? → so far
3. Does the sentence sound natural out loud?
If it doesn’t sound like something you’d actually say, choose the other phrase.
Rule of Thumb
- If your message feels like a report, use thus far.
- If your message feels like a conversation, use so far.
Case Study: Company Update Email vs. Team Slack Message
This example shows how choosing the wrong phrase changes the tone dramatically.
Scenario
A manager wants to update the team about a new product launch.
Formal Email (Correct Use: Thus Far)
“Thus far our early user testing indicates a strong preference for the new interface. This aligns with our projected adoption curve.”
The tone is polished and appropriate.
Slack Message (Correct Use: So Far)
“So far everyone seems to love the new interface. Nothing major has broken yet.”
Warm and conversational.
Incorrect Use Comparison
- “Thus far nothing has broken yet” → Too stiff for Slack
- “So far the preliminary data supports the hypothesis” → Too casual for a report
Tone matters.
Expanded Examples for Mastery
Below are extended examples to help you learn the difference through pattern recognition.
Examples of “Thus Far” in Nuanced Contexts
- “Thus far remediation efforts have decreased the cybersecurity risk profile by 18%.”
- “Thus far the policy revision has produced compliance improvements across departments.”
- “Thus far the litigation timeline remains unchanged.”
Examples of “So Far” in Human Contexts
- “So far the trip’s been amazing; the weather’s been perfect.”
- “So far he hasn’t complained once, which is a miracle.”
- “So far the restaurant’s service feels slow but friendly.”
Common Mistakes People Make with These Phrases
Here are mistakes you want to avoid.
Mistake 1: Treating Them as Interchangeable
They share meaning but not tone. Treat them differently.
Mistake 2: Overusing “Thus Far” to Sound Smart
It often backfires because it feels forced.
Mistake 3: Placing the Phrase at the End
English rarely uses these at the end of a sentence.
Mistake 4: Using “Thus Far” in Speech
It rarely sounds natural.
FAQs:
What is the main difference between thus far and so far?
The main difference is tone. Thus far sounds more formal and polished, while so far feels natural and conversational.
Is it correct to use thus far in everyday English?
Yes, absolutely yes. It’s grammatically correct, but in everyday English, many people prefer so far because it sounds more relaxed.
When should writers choose thus far instead of so far?
Use thus far in formal writing, business writing, reports, presentations, or professional emails where clarity and formality matter.
Do native speakers use both phrases?
Yes. Native speakers use both, depending on context, setting, and the audience they are speaking or writing to.
Does using thus far make writing sound unnatural?
Not if used with care. In the right situation, thus far sounds confident and precise. Overuse in casual talk, however, can feel stiff.
Conclusion
The choice between thus far vs so far is not about right or wrong. It’s about context, tone, and how you want your message to sound. Thus far carries formality, depth, and professionalism, while so far keeps communication simple and human. When you understand the setting and audience, choosing the right phrase becomes natural and effortless.
