# insofar as

CEFR C1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insofar-as
Updated: 2026-07-26

## Definition

to the degree or extent that something is true. You use this when you want to explain that a statement only applies in a specific way or up to a certain point.

For teachers: a subordinating conjunction used to specify the degree or extent to which a statement is valid. It functions as a restrictive qualifier, often introducing a clause that limits the scope of the preceding claim.

## Examples

- The plan is good insofar as it saves us money.
- The new law is a success insofar as it reduces crime, but it has created other social problems.
- The theory remains robust insofar as the initial conditions are met, though it fails to account for extreme environmental variables.

## Pitfalls

- Not "in so far as" but "insofar as" — while 'in so far as' is sometimes seen, the modern standard in both American and British English is to write 'insofar' as a single word.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a clause starting with 'as' or 'that'; it is highly formal and common in academic or legal writing.
- Teaching tip: teach this alongside 'to the extent that' as a more formal synonym; it is useful for students writing academic essays who need to qualify their arguments precisely.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.