When exploring language, you may ask, Is It Correct to Say “Thus Far”? This tricky beast often throws a curveball in grammar or vocabulary, like the phrase “thus far,” which feels old-timey but still appears in dusty books, historical dramas, emails, meetings, and casual conversation with people. Its relevance clings by fingernails, holding a solid place in modern English, and while it’s just two words, “thus far” shows how language evolves, keeping its roots like an ancient tree in the earth, more than an archaic relic, a story that catches the eye.
In practice, “thus far” expresses progress made or events that have happened up to a point. It is correct in formal and professional contexts, helping to express that something has reached a certain level or extent until now. This phrase is common in written English, formal speaking, reports, presentations, and situations requiring a polished, professional tone.
While it fits many contexts, in everyday conversation, simpler terms like “so far” or “up to now” can suit the setting. Using “thus far” carefully adds sophistication, yet pairing it with simpler words keeps communication natural.
What “Thus Far” Means in American English
At its core, “thus far” means “up to this point” or “until now.” It’s a way of indicating progress, results, or status at a specific moment.
- Example in a professional context: “Thus far, our team has completed three of the five project milestones.”
- Example in academic writing: “Thus far, the study demonstrates a clear correlation between sleep patterns and cognitive performance.”
Key points to remember:
- It often implies a formal tone, making it more common in academic, legal, or professional settings.
- It is similar in meaning to “so far,” but slightly more formal or literary.
Quick Tip: Use “thus far” when summarizing progress or giving status updates formally. Use “so far” in casual conversation.
Grammatical Correctness of “Thus Far”
“Thus far” is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase. That means it modifies verbs, clauses, or sentences by specifying time or progress.
Grammatical placement:
- Usually at the beginning of a sentence: “Thus far, the results are promising.”
- Or after the subject: “The project has, thus far, met all expectations.”
Common errors:
- Misplacing it in the middle of a sentence without commas: “The project has thus far met expectations” is correct, but adding unnecessary commas can confuse readers.
- Confusing it with “this far” (distance) instead of progress or extent.
Pro Tip: Remember, “thus far” = progress/status, “this far” = physical distance.
Practical Usage of “Thus Far” in Communication
“Thus far” is versatile but leans toward formal usage. Let’s explore where it works best.
Academic Writing
- Research papers: “Thus far, the experiment has shown consistent results across all trials.”
- Essays: “Thus far, Shakespeare’s works reflect the social tensions of Elizabethan England.”
- Reports and presentations: “Thus far, we’ve achieved 80% of the project milestones.”
Professional Communication
- Emails: “Thus far, our quarterly sales targets have been met.”
- Project updates: “Thus far, the team has resolved all critical issues.”
- Proposals or memos: “Thus far, the strategy has increased client engagement by 15%.”
Everyday Conversation
- Less common, but still acceptable in formal speech: “Thus far, everything has gone according to plan.”
Dos and Don’ts Table
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Use at the start of sentences to indicate progress | Confuse with “this far” (distance) |
| Use in formal reports or presentations | Overuse in casual conversations |
| Pair with verbs reflecting progress or achievement | Place randomly mid-sentence without punctuation |
“Thus Far” vs. “So Far”
Many learners and professionals wonder about the difference between “thus far” and “so far.”
| Feature | Thus Far | So Far |
| Tone | Formal, academic, professional | Casual, everyday speech |
| Usage | Reports, essays, official emails | Conversations, informal writing |
| Placement | Start of sentence or after subject | Flexible, commonly at sentence end |
| Example | “Thus far, the initiative has reduced errors by 10%.” | “We’ve reduced errors by 10% so far.” |
Key Takeaway: If you want a polished, professional tone, go with “thus far.” For casual communication, “so far” is more natural.
Common Contexts and Scenarios
Understanding when to use “thus far” is easier when you see real-world scenarios.
Tracking Progress
- Academic projects: “Thus far, the thesis chapters are complete.”
- Professional milestones: “Thus far, the team has completed 70% of the objectives.”
Reporting Status
- Emails to supervisors: “Thus far, we have met all regulatory compliance standards.”
- Classroom updates: “Thus far, students have submitted 60% of assignments.”
Literary or Historical Usage
- Older texts often use “thus far” to indicate events up to a particular point.
- Shakespeare’s works and 18th-century literature frequently use this expression for narrative pacing.
Visual Reference – Context vs Tone Table
| Context | Example Sentence | Tone |
| Academic Progress | “Thus far, the study reveals significant patterns.” | Formal |
| Professional Update | “Thus far, client feedback has been positive.” | Professional |
| Literary Usage | “Thus far, our hero has survived many trials.” | Literary |
| Casual Speech | “We’ve finished three chapters thus far.” | Slightly formal |
Examples of “Thus Far” in Sentences
Practical examples help cement understanding.
- Simple sentence: “Thus far, all participants have responded positively.”
- Medium-length sentence: “Thus far, the committee has reviewed the proposals, provided feedback, and requested revisions.”
- Complex sentence: “Thus far, although we have faced minor setbacks, the project has maintained its original timeline and budget.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using “thus far” to indicate future events: Wrong → “Thus far, we will complete the task.” Correct → “Thus far, we have completed half the task.”
- Mixing with distance: “We walked thus far” (wrong unless in poetic/literary style).
“Thus Far” in Literature and Media
The phrase appears in classic literature, newspapers, and professional journals.
- Shakespeare Example: “Thus far didst thou excel in valour” (uses formal, narrative tone).
- Modern Professional Publication: “Thus far, the pilot program has increased student engagement by 20%.”
Observation: Usage has shifted slightly; in contemporary English, it mostly appears in formal writing, reports, or professional communication.
Alternatives to “Thus Far”
Sometimes, another phrase fits better depending on formality, context, and tone.
| Alternative | Best Use Case | Example Sentence |
| Up to now | Formal and informal | “Up to now, the study has included 150 participants.” |
| Until now | Slightly informal | “Until now, the team had not faced major delays.” |
| To date | Professional or academic | “To date, the research has uncovered three key trends.” |
| So far | Casual writing or speech | “So far, everyone agrees with the plan.” |
Tip: Choosing the right phrase improves clarity and tone. Use “thus far” when you want to emphasize formality or historical/literary tone.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Learners and even professionals often mix up “thus far” and “this far”, or misplace it in sentences.
Confusing “Thus Far” with “This Far”
- Incorrect: “We have reached thus far in our journey.” (should be “this far” for distance)
- Correct: “Thus far, our project has met all objectives.”
Sentence Placement Errors
- Mid-sentence without punctuation: “The team has thus far achieved most goals” (correct)
- Incorrect: “The team has thus far, achieved most goals”
Quick Tip: Think about whether you’re indicating progress/status or physical distance
Quick Reference Guide
- Meaning: “Up to this point” or “until now.”
- Tone: Formal, professional, academic.
- Usage: Reports, essays, professional emails, literary works.
- Common Mistakes: Confusing with “this far,” incorrect punctuation.
- Alternatives: so far, to date, up to now, until now.
Mini Cheat Sheet Table:
| Feature | Guidance |
| Meaning | Indicates progress/status |
| Tone | Formal/Professional |
| Correct Placement | Beginning of sentence or after subject |
| Common Confusion | This far (distance) |
| Alternatives | So far, up to now, to date, until now |
Conclusion
Using “thus far” is perfectly correct in both formal and professional contexts, and it conveys progress or what has happened up to a certain point. While it may feel old-timey or like an archaic relic, it still holds a solid place in modern English.
In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like “so far” or “up to now” often work better, but “thus far” adds a touch of sophistication and clarity when used thoughtfully. Understanding its proper usage ensures your language remains polished, professional, and appropriate for various contexts.
FAQs
1. Is it correct to say “thus far” in casual conversation?
Yes, it’s understandable, but simpler terms like “so far” or “up to now” are often preferred for natural flow.
2. What does “thus far” mean?
It means up to this point or progress made until now, often highlighting the current stage of events or actions.
3. Can “thus far” be used in professional writing?
Absolutely. It fits formal reports, presentations, and professional emails, giving a polished tone.
4. Is “thus far” considered old-fashioned?
It may sound old-timey in casual speech, but it is still relevant in modern English and formal contexts.
5. Are there alternatives to “thus far”?
Yes, “so far” and “up to now” are simpler alternatives suitable for everyday conversation.
