Thus Far Vs So Far? Here’s The Difference (+14 Examples)

“Thus” is one of those words in English that even native speakers love to use. It makes them feel smart because it seems like an old-fashioned word present in the Shakespearian era. However, it actually comes with a lot of meaning in itself. So, let’s look at the difference (if any) between thus far and so far and how you might use them in sentences.

Is It “Thus Far” Or “So Far”?

Thus far should be used when you say “until this point” or “up until now” in a more formal manner. So far should be used when you say “until this point” or “up until now” in a more informal manner. Both of the words have no discernible difference in meaning and are used in different tones. “Thus” is a more formal synonym of “so.”

Does “Thus Far” And “So Far” Have The Same Meaning?

As we stated above, “thus far” and “so far” have the same meaning. The two phrases are almost identical. The only thing that changes between the two is the tone of each. You’ll almost always want to use “thus far” in formal writing. Whether that’s an academic or scientific paper or a business email. However, “so far” is reserved for more informal writing, like texting friends or business emails where you’re familiar with your boss’s character and know that they don’t mind the informal tone.

Either way, both phrases meaning “until now” or “up to this point.” They both reference the exact moment in time when you write the phrase. Basically, until that very moment that “thus far” or “so far” were written, the thing you’re talking about hasn’t changed. That could mean that things will start to change from now on, or it could simply mean that things have happened the same way so far and will continue to happen the same way.

What Does “Thus Far And No Further” Mean?

“Thus far and no further” is a particularly formal way to say “until now, but it ends here.” If we’re using this in a business email example, you could be writing about current business practices. If that business practice has been going one way, but the boss intends to change it, then the boss could write in the email, “the business practice has been this thus far and no further.”

It’s pretty much a way to let whoever reads it know that things are intended to change. Sometimes, when you use “thus far,” there isn’t a need for change, but the addition of “and no further” shows that change is on the cards and will happen imminently. The same phrase can apply to “so far and no further,” but not many people use this, as “so far” is informal, but “and no further” is formal.

Should I Use A Comma After “Thus Far” And “So Far”?

Typically, when you write either “thus far” or “so far” in a sentence, you’re going to want to include a comma after you’ve done so. If you say a sentence aloud with either of them in, you’ll often hear a slight pause between saying “far” and saying the rest of the clause. This is a good indication that a comma is needed. However, to use language rules, it’s important to have a break between “far” and the rest of the clause because we’re setting up a new clause when we use it.

Since we’re saying “up until now,” we’re already finishing the first clause because the time frame has already passed. The time frame is the exact moment in time that the message was written. That means a comma is needed directly after to start up a new sentence. The only time a comma won’t be needed after “thus far” and “so far” is when they are directly followed by “and,” like in “thus far and no further.”

What Is The Difference Between “Thus Far” And “This Far”?

There is only one letter difference between “thus far” and “this far,” but the two phrases come with a host of linguistic differences. If you write “this far” instead of the intended “thus far,” people will notice and question why you said so. As we’ve mentioned, “thus far” means “up until now” or “until this moment.”

However, “this far” is more of a distance marker. We use “this far” to show how far we have traveled or will travel. If you point at a map to show the distance between your destination and a store, you could say, “the store is this far away.” See how that’s wildly different! Remember that “this far” always references distances, while “thus far” references time.

7 Examples Of How To Use “Thus Far”

1. Thus far, we haven’t noticed any problems.
2. Thus far and no further will we be participating in work break games.
3. Thus far, you can find me in the upstairs office.
4. Thus far, everything is going according to plan.
5. Thus far, nothing has gone wrong.
6. Thus far, nobody has mentioned it.
7. Thus far, it has worked perfectly every time.

7 Examples Of How To Use “So Far”

1. So far, I can’t find what I’m looking for.
2. So far, you have taken every girlfriend away from me.
3. So far, so good.
4. So far, you’ve kept me happy.
5. So far, I’m doing well in my life.
6. This is the best day of my life so far.
7. So far, the wedding is working out!

“Thus Far” And “So Far” – Synonyms

We’ll finish up with some synonyms so you can see how you might use “thus far” and “so far” in different contexts. We’ll show you both informal replacements for “so far” and formal replacements for “thus far.” This way, you can use them no matter what context you’re in!

Informal

• Up until now
• Up to this point

Say these if you’re with your friends or talking to someone in an informal setting.

Formal

• As yet
• To date
• Hitherto

You can easily use these in place of “thus far.” Most people will be impressed with your ability to use these properly.

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