Thus Far vs So Far: The Simple Difference Most People Get Wrong

If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to say “thus far” or “so far,” you’re not alone. These two phrases seem interchangeable and often are but choosing the right one can subtly change the tone and clarity of your message.

In everyday communication, especially in emails, essays, or professional writing, knowing when to use each expression can make your language sound more natural and polished. Let’s break it down in a simple, human way so you can use both confidently without overthinking.

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Quick Answer

• “So far” is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
• “Thus far” is more formal and often used in professional, academic, or written contexts.
• Both mean “up to this point in time.”

👉 In most situations, you can safely use “so far.” Use “thus far” when you want a more formal or polished tone.

What Does “So Far” Mean?

“So far” means up to now or until this point in time. It’s widely used in casual conversations, emails, and informal writing.

Examples of “So Far”

• I’ve finished three chapters so far.
• So far, everything is going well.
• We haven’t faced any issues so far.
• She’s the best candidate so far.

When to Use “So Far”

Use it when:

• You’re speaking casually
• Writing emails or messages
• Communicating in a friendly tone
• You want your language to feel natural and conversational

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What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

“Thus far” also means up to this point, but it carries a more formal, structured tone. It’s commonly found in reports, academic writing, or professional documents.

Examples of “Thus Far”

• The project has been successful thus far.
• Thus far, no significant errors have been detected.
• The results achieved thus far are promising.
• Thus far, the company has exceeded expectations.

When to Use “Thus Far”

Use it when:

• Writing academic papers
• Preparing reports or presentations
• Communicating in formal settings
• You want to sound professional or authoritative

Thus Far vs So Far: Key Differences

Here’s a clear comparison to help you remember:

Feature	So Far	Thus Far
Meaning	Up to now	Up to this point
Tone	Informal, conversational	Formal, professional
Usage	Everyday speech & writing	Academic & formal writing
Frequency	Very common	Less common
Natural Feel	Friendly and relaxed	Structured and polished

Are They Interchangeable?

Yes—in meaning, they are interchangeable. But tone matters.

For example:

• “Everything is fine so far.” (casual)
• “Everything is fine thus far.” (formal)

Both are correct, but the second sounds more polished or official.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these phrases are simple, people often misuse them. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Using “Thus Far” in Casual Conversations

❌ Hey, I like the movie thus far.
✔ Hey, I like the movie so far.

“Thus far” sounds too stiff in casual speech.

2. Overusing “So Far” in Formal Writing

❌ The results so far indicate success. (in a formal report)
✔ The results thus far indicate success.

In professional writing, “thus far” may sound more appropriate.

3. Assuming They Have Different Meanings

Both phrases mean the same thing. The difference is tone, not definition.

4. Mixing Tone in the Same Document

Avoid switching between formal and informal styles:
❌ Thus far, the experiment is stable, and so far, results look good.
✔ Stick to one tone consistently.

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Real-Life Usage Examples

Let’s see how these phrases appear in different contexts:

Casual Conversation

• I’ve saved $500 so far.
• So far, the trip has been amazing.

Workplace Communication

• We’ve completed 70% of the project so far. (team chat)
• The project has met all milestones thus far. (formal report)

Academic Writing

• The research conducted thus far supports the hypothesis.
• Findings thus far are inconclusive.

American vs British English

Good news—there’s no major difference between American and British English when it comes to “thus far” vs “so far.”

• Both forms are understood and used in American English and British English.
• The preference depends more on tone and context rather than region.

That said:

• “So far” is more commonly used worldwide.
• “Thus far” appears more in formal or academic contexts in both regions.

Synonyms and Related Phrases (LSI Keywords)

To improve your vocabulary and writing variety, here are similar expressions:

• Up to now
• Until now
• To date
• As of now
• Up to this point
• So far as
• Thus far in time

👉 Example:

• Up to now, everything has gone smoothly.
• To date, no issues have been reported.

When Should You Choose Each One?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Choose “so far” for:
  • Conversations
  • Emails
  • Blogs
  • Social media
• Choose “thus far” for:
  • Reports
  • Essays
  • Academic writing
  • Formal presentations

If you’re unsure, go with “so far” it’s safer and more natural in most situations.

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FAQs

1. Is “thus far” outdated?

No, it’s not outdated—it’s just more formal and less common in everyday speech.

2. Can I use “thus far” in emails?

Yes, but only in formal or professional emails. For casual emails, use “so far.”

3. Which is more common: “thus far” or “so far”?

“So far” is much more common in everyday language.

4. Do they mean exactly the same thing?

Yes, both mean “up to this point in time.” The difference is tone.

5. Is “thus far” more professional?

Yes, it sounds more polished and is preferred in formal writing.

6. Can I use “so far” in academic writing?

You can, but “thus far” is often more appropriate in formal contexts.

7. Is it wrong to use “thus far” in conversation?

Not wrong—but it may sound overly formal or unnatural.

8. What’s the safest choice for beginners?

“So far” is the safest and most natural option in most situations.

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Final Summary

Understanding the difference between “thus far” and “so far” comes down to tone, not meaning. Both phrases express the same idea something that has happened up to the present moment but they fit different contexts.

“So far” feels natural, friendly, and easygoing, while “thus far” adds a layer of formality and professionalism.

In everyday life, you’ll rarely go wrong with “so far.” But when writing something more polished like a report, essay, or formal email switching to “thus far” can subtly elevate your language and make your communication more effective.

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Actionable Takeaway

• Use “so far” in 90% of situations—it’s simple and natural.
• Switch to “thus far” when writing formally or professionally.
• Keep your tone consistent within the same piece of writing.
• When in doubt, choose clarity over formality.

Mastering small differences like this can make your English sound more confident, clear, and polished one phrase at a time.