Is It Correct to Say “Thus Far”? Meaning Grammar and Usage

Yes, “thus far” is grammatically correct. It means “up to this point,” “so far,” or “until now.” It is especially common in formal, academic, professional, legal, and analytical writing, where a more polished tone is useful.

Although “thus far” is perfectly natural English, it can sound more formal than “so far” in everyday conversation. Choosing between the two usually depends less on grammar and more on tone, audience, and context.

This guide explains the meaning of “thus far,” how it works grammatically, where it fits naturally, when it may sound stiff, and how it compares with alternatives such as “so far,” “until now,” and “up to now.” You’ll also find practical examples, comparison tables, common mistakes, and professional writing examples.

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What Does “Thus Far” Mean?

Simple Definition

“Thus far” means “up to this point in time” or “so far.”

The word “thus” traditionally means “in this way” or “to this extent,” while “far” can refer to a point reached in time or progress. Together, “thus far” describes what has happened up to the present point.

For example:

The project has progressed smoothly thus far.

This means:

The project has progressed smoothly so far.

Another example:

Thus far, we have received positive feedback from customers.

The writer is describing the results obtained up to the present moment.

Examples in Real Sentences

Here are several natural examples:

• Thus far, the experiment has produced consistent results.
• We have completed three phases of the project thus far.
• The team has performed exceptionally well thus far.
• No significant problems have occurred thus far.
• Thus far, the evidence supports the original conclusion.
• The company has hired 25 employees thus far this year.
• I have enjoyed the course thus far.
• The investigation has revealed no evidence of wrongdoing thus far.

Notice that “thus far” often appears with a situation that is still continuing.

What “Thus Far” Does NOT Mean

“Thus far” does not normally mean simply “in this way.”

That distinction matters because “thus” can have other meanings.

Compare:

He explained the process thus.

Here, “thus” means “in this way.”

But:

The process has worked well thus far.

Here, “thus far” means “up to this point.”

The two uses should not be confused.

Expression	Meaning
thus	in this way; consequently; to this extent
thus far	up to this point; so far
so far	up to now
until now	up to the present time

Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “Thus Far”?

Why It Is Grammatically Valid

Yes. “Thus far” is a standard English expression, not a grammatical error, outdated construction, or incorrect combination of words.

It functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, clause, or entire statement by indicating the extent reached at a particular point in time.

For example:

The research has thus far produced promising results.

The phrase tells us how far the research has progressed at this stage.

You can also place it at the beginning:

Thus far, the research has produced promising results.

Or at the end:

The research has produced promising results thus far.

All three constructions are grammatically possible.

Grammar Role in Sentences

“Thus far” is particularly useful with ongoing actions, situations, developments, or results.

It frequently appears alongside:

• present perfect verbs
• present perfect continuous verbs
• simple present verbs
• verbs describing progress or results

Examples include:

We have completed five tests thus far.

The company has thus far avoided major losses.

The results thus far indicate that the approach is effective.

The present perfect is especially natural because it connects past events with the present.

However, “thus far” isn’t restricted to one verb tense.

For example:

The evidence thus far suggests a different explanation.

Here, “suggests” is simple present.

The important idea is not a particular tense. The important idea is that the statement concerns what has happened or been established up to the current point.

When Should You Use “Thus Far”?

“Thus far” works best when your writing has a formal, analytical, or professional tone.

It is especially useful when you’re evaluating progress, reporting findings, summarizing developments, or describing results.

Academic Writing

Academic writers may use “thus far” when discussing research, evidence, experiments, or findings.

Examples:

Research thus far suggests that sleep quality affects cognitive performance.

The studies conducted thus far have produced mixed results.

No definitive explanation has emerged thus far.

The phrase works well because academic writing often discusses evidence accumulated up to a particular stage.

A researcher might write:

The available evidence thus far does not establish a causal relationship.

That sounds appropriate in an analytical paper.

Business and Corporate Reports

Business writing is another strong setting for “thus far.”

For example:

Sales have exceeded expectations thus far this quarter.

The company has secured 18 new contracts thus far.

The implementation process has encountered no major obstacles thus far.

In reports, “thus far” can make a sentence sound concise and professional.

However, there is an important caveat: formal does not automatically mean better.

If a simple “so far” communicates the same idea more naturally, there’s nothing wrong with using it.

Compare:

Customer response has been positive thus far.

and:

Customer response has been positive so far.

Both are correct.

The first sounds more formal. The second sounds more conversational.

Journalism and News Writing

Journalists may use “thus far” when reporting an unfolding event.

For example:

Officials have confirmed three casualties thus far.

Investigators have identified two possible causes thus far.

It can be useful when information is developing and the writer needs to emphasize that the situation isn’t necessarily complete.

Legal or Government Documents

Formal institutional writing can also use “thus far.”

Examples:

No violations have been identified thus far.

The agency has received 47 applications thus far.

The investigation has produced no conclusive findings thus far.

In these settings, the phrase fits because the language often needs to distinguish current findings from future developments.

Why Professionals Prefer It

“Thus far” can be useful when you want to:

• emphasize progress to a specific point
• summarize accumulated evidence
• maintain a formal tone
• avoid conversational wording
• describe an ongoing process
• signal that the situation may change

But don’t use it simply because it sounds sophisticated.

Clear writing is more important than impressive vocabulary.

When “Thus Far” Sounds Awkward or Overly Formal

Although “thus far” is correct, it isn’t the best choice for every situation.

Situations Where It Feels Stiff

Imagine texting a friend:

I have enjoyed our dinner thus far.

Technically, this works.

But most people would naturally say:

I’m having a great time so far.

Or:

Dinner has been great so far.

The problem isn’t grammar. It’s register.

“Thus far” belongs toward the more formal end of the English style spectrum.

Everyday Conversations

In normal conversation, “so far” is usually more natural.

Instead of:

How is your new job thus far?

Most speakers would say:

How is your new job so far?

Instead of:

I’m enjoying the movie thus far.

A casual speaker would probably say:

I’m enjoying the movie so far.

Informal Emails or Text Messages

The same principle applies to casual digital communication.

You could write:

Thanks! Everything looks good thus far.

But:

Thanks! Everything looks good so far.

sounds warmer and more natural.

For a friend:

The trip has been great so far!

is much more natural than:

The trip has been great thus far.

Social Media Writing

Social media usually favors shorter, more conversational language.

For example:

So far, this has been the best trip I’ve ever taken.

sounds more natural than:

Thus far, this has been the best trip I’ve ever taken.

The second isn’t wrong. It simply feels more formal than most social media posts require.

Why It Feels Formal

“Thus far” has a somewhat traditional or literary quality because “thus” is less common in everyday speech than words such as “so” or “this way.”

That gives it a more deliberate tone.

Think of the difference this way:

Phrase	Typical tone
so far	conversational, neutral
up to now	neutral
until now	neutral
thus far	formal, professional, literary
to date	formal, businesslike

“Thus Far” vs. Similar Expressions

Several English expressions communicate nearly the same idea.

Thus Far vs. So Far

This is the most important comparison.

“Thus far” and “so far” are usually interchangeable when they mean “up to this point.”

Compare:

The project has been successful thus far.

The project has been successful so far.

The meaning is essentially the same.

The difference is mainly style.

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

“Thus far” is more formal.

Which Should You Choose?

Use “so far” when you want straightforward, natural English.

Use “thus far” when a more formal or analytical tone fits the context.

A simple rule:

Conversation → “so far”
Formal analysis → “thus far”

Of course, this isn’t an absolute rule. Native speakers use both forms across many settings.

Thus Far vs. Until Now

“Until now” can sometimes sound slightly different.

Until now, we had not encountered this problem.

This can suggest a change or interruption.

Compare:

The system has performed well thus far.

This simply reports performance up to the present.

But:

Until now, the system had performed well.

This can imply that something has changed.

Thus Far vs. Up to Now

“Up to now” is another natural alternative.

Up to now, the project has remained on schedule.

This is perfectly correct.

However, “thus far” can sound more polished in formal reports:

Thus far, the project has remained on schedule.

Both communicate essentially the same time frame.

Is “Thus Far” Formal or Informal?

“Thus far” is generally formal or moderately formal rather than strongly informal.

It isn’t an archaic expression that modern English speakers never use. It remains perfectly understandable and legitimate.

A useful formality scale looks like this:

Expression	Formality
so far	Neutral
up to now	Neutral
until now	Neutral
thus far	Moderately formal
to date	Formal/business
to this point	Neutral/formal

When Formal Language Helps

Formal language is useful when you are writing:

• research papers
• reports
• proposals
• business documents
• government material
• legal writing
• professional analysis
• formal presentations

But remember that clarity should come first.

If your audience expects plain English, “so far” may actually be the better choice.

Can You Use “Thus Far” at the End of a Sentence?

Yes.

“Thus far” can appear in several positions.

Beginning Placement

Thus far, the results have been encouraging.

This placement gives the phrase noticeable emphasis.

Middle Placement

The results have thus far been encouraging.

This sounds particularly formal and is common in professional or academic prose.

End Placement

The results have been encouraging thus far.

This is also grammatically correct and often feels natural.

Which Placement Sounds Most Natural?

All three are possible, but the choice depends on rhythm.

Position	Example	Effect
Beginning	Thus far, the team has succeeded.	Emphasizes the time frame
Middle	The team has thus far succeeded.	Formal and compact
End	The team has succeeded thus far.	Smooth and straightforward

In ordinary writing, the beginning and end positions often sound particularly natural.

Common Mistakes People Make With “Thus Far”

Overusing the Phrase

One common problem is repetition.

Consider:

Thus far, sales are strong. Thus far, customer feedback is positive. Thus far, the team has met its targets.

Every sentence uses the same expression.

The grammar isn’t wrong, but the writing becomes repetitive.

Better:

Thus far, sales are strong. Customer feedback is also positive, and the team has met its targets.

Using It With Incorrect Verb Tense

There is no rule saying that “thus far” must always take the present perfect.

However, writers sometimes create confusing combinations.

For example:

Thus far, the company completed five projects.

This can sound awkward if the writer means the company has completed five projects up to the present.

A clearer version is:

Thus far, the company has completed five projects.

The present perfect naturally connects completed past actions with the present situation.

Using It in Casual Speech

Again, this isn’t grammatically wrong.

You can absolutely say “thus far” aloud.

But if you’re talking to a friend, it may sound unnecessarily formal:

How is your vacation thus far?

More natural:

How’s your vacation so far?

Using It Without Ongoing Context

“Thus far” generally works best when there is a time frame, process, development, or continuing situation.

For example:

We have interviewed 20 candidates thus far.

This suggests the recruitment process is ongoing or being evaluated at the current stage.

If there is no meaningful connection to a continuing situation, “thus far” may feel forced.

Better Alternatives to “Thus Far” With Use Cases

Sometimes another phrase will communicate your idea more naturally.

Alternative	Best use
so far	Everyday and general writing
up to now	Neutral explanation
until now	Emphasizing a change
to date	Business and formal reports
up to this point	Explicit explanation
so far as we know	Limited knowledge
to this point in time	Very explicit/formal writing

Examples:

Formal:

The investigation has produced no conclusive findings thus far.

Neutral:

The investigation has produced no conclusive findings so far.

Business:

The company has generated $2.4 million in revenue to date.

Conversational:

Everything is going well so far.

Is “Thus Far” Still Common in Modern English?

Yes, but its use depends heavily on context.

“Thus far” remains a recognized expression in modern English. It hasn’t disappeared, but “so far” is generally more natural in everyday conversation.

You are more likely to encounter “thus far” in:

• academic writing
• journalism
• corporate reports
• research papers
• formal commentary
• legal and institutional documents
• literary prose

You are less likely to hear it in:

• casual conversations
• text messages
• informal social media posts
• friendly emails

The difference is therefore less about correctness and more about frequency and register.

Modern Usage Trends

Modern English generally favors direct, familiar wording.

That explains why “so far” has a strong advantage in casual communication.

But formal expressions don’t disappear simply because simpler alternatives exist.

For example, professional writers still use expressions such as:

• thus far
• to date
• therefore
• nevertheless
• accordingly

The key is knowing when they fit.

Case Study: Business Writing vs. Casual Blogging

Imagine a company preparing a quarterly performance report.

Corporate Report Example

The company has acquired 12 new enterprise clients thus far in 2026, while customer retention has remained above the target established at the beginning of the year.

Here, “thus far” works well.

It matches the analytical tone and clearly establishes that the figure represents results up to the current point in 2026.

Blog Content Example

Now imagine a personal blog:

I’ve visited six cities thus far, and each one has been incredible.

This is correct, but the blogger might sound more natural saying:

I’ve visited six cities so far, and each one has been incredible.

The second version feels more relaxed and personal.

What the Case Study Shows

The important lesson is not:

“Always use ‘thus far’ in professional writing.”

Nor is it:

“Never use ‘thus far’ in casual writing.”

The better lesson is:

Choose the expression that matches your audience and purpose.

Quick Usage Tips for Writers

The Audience Test

Ask:

Who am I writing for?

If you’re writing for researchers, executives, lawyers, or a formal institutional audience, “thus far” may fit naturally.

If you’re writing for friends, customers in a casual brand voice, or general social media readers, “so far” may be better.

The Tone Check

Read the sentence and ask whether it sounds too formal.

Compare:

How has the course been thus far?

with:

How has the course been so far?

The second is more conversational.

The Read-Aloud Test

Read your sentence aloud.

If “thus far” sounds stiff, replace it with “so far” and compare the rhythm.

This simple test often reveals unnecessary formality.

The Simplicity Rule

If two expressions mean essentially the same thing, choose the simpler one unless the more formal version serves a clear purpose.

For many audiences:

So far, the results look promising.

is better than:

Thus far, the results appear promising.

But in a formal research report, the second may fit perfectly.

Expert Quote on Clear Writing

A useful principle from George Orwell’s writing advice is to favor plain language when a simpler expression communicates the same meaning. His famous essay Politics and the English Language argues for using shorter, familiar words where possible.

Applied to “thus far,” the lesson is straightforward:

If “so far” says exactly what you mean and better matches your audience, there is no reason to replace it merely to sound more formal.

That doesn’t make “thus far” bad. It simply means precision and appropriateness matter more than sounding sophisticated.

“Thus Far” in Different Types of Writing

The phrase becomes easier to understand when you see it across several contexts.

Academic Example

The studies conducted thus far provide evidence that the treatment may be effective.

Business Example

Thus far, the project remains within its approved budget.

News Example

Officials have confirmed four arrests thus far.

Legal Example

No additional evidence has been presented thus far.

Personal Example

I’ve enjoyed the book thus far.

Casual Alternative

I’ve really enjoyed the book so far.

The first personal example isn’t incorrect. It simply carries a more formal tone than the second.

Quick Comparison Table

Phrase	Meaning	Tone	Example
Thus far	Up to this point	Formal	The plan has worked thus far.
So far	Up to now	Neutral	The plan has worked so far.
Up to now	Until the present	Neutral	Up to now, we haven’t had problems.
Until now	Before the present	Neutral	Until now, everything was stable.
To date	Up to the present date	Formal	To date, 500 applications have been received.
Up to this point	Until this stage	Neutral/formal	Up to this point, the evidence is limited.

FAQs 

Is “thus far” old-fashioned?

Not exactly. “Thus far” is still standard modern English, but it is more formal than “so far.” It may sound somewhat literary or traditional in casual conversation, but it remains common in professional and academic writing.

Can “thus far” be used in professional emails?

Yes. It can work very well in professional emails, particularly when discussing progress or results.

For example:

The project has remained on schedule thus far.

However, if your workplace favors a friendly, conversational style, “so far” may sound more natural:

The project has remained on schedule so far.

Is “thus far” British or American English?

“Thus far” is used in both American and British English. It isn’t exclusive to either variety.

Its formality may make it more noticeable in some contexts, but it is not a spelling or regional difference like “color” and “colour.”

Can “thus far” replace “so far”?

Usually, yes.

When both mean “up to this point,” they can often be substituted for one another.

The results have been encouraging so far.

The results have been encouraging thus far.

The meaning is essentially the same, but the tone changes.

Does “thus far” always refer to time?

Not necessarily in the narrow sense of clock or calendar time. It can refer to progress or extent reached up to a particular point.

For example:

The investigation has thus far uncovered three major issues.

The phrase relates to the progress of the investigation rather than simply describing a duration.

Conclusion

“Thus far” is completely correct English. It means “so far,” “up to this point,” or “until now,” and it can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

The biggest issue isn’t grammar. It’s style. Use “thus far” when you want a formal, professional, academic, analytical, or slightly literary tone. It works particularly well when discussing research, business performance, investigations, projects, evidence, and developments.

Use “so far” when you want your writing or speech to sound more natural and conversational. The two phrases often communicate the same idea, so you don’t need to worry that choosing “so far” makes your writing less correct. In many situations, it actually makes your writing clearer and more direct.

The simplest rule to remember is:

“Thus far” = “so far,” but with a more formal tone.

Once you understand that difference, you’ll know not only that “thus far” is grammatically correct, but also when it is the best choice for your audience and purpose.