# insofar

/ˈɪnsəfɑɹ/ (US) · /ˈɪnsəfˌɑː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insofar
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to the degree or extent that something is true. You use this when you want to show that a statement only applies to a certain point.

For teachers: to the extent or degree that. Used to introduce a clause that limits the scope of a preceding statement.

## Examples

- The plan is good insofar as it saves us money.
- The new policy is successful insofar as it reduces wait times, though it has not yet lowered overall costs.
- The experiment was considered a success insofar as it proved the initial hypothesis, even if the practical applications remained limited by current technological constraints.

## Pitfalls

- Not "in so far as" but "insofar as" — While 'in so far as' is an accepted variant, 'insofar' is the standard modern spelling for the single-word adverb.

## Usage notes

- Almost always followed by 'as'. Typically used to qualify a statement by specifying its limits.

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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.