English Reference
Fixed phrase

thus far

fixed phrase.
B2 Upper Intermediate

fixed phrase.until now or up to this point in time.

fixed phrase.an adverbial phrase indicating the duration or extent of a situation from the past up to the present moment.


SIMPLE

We have received three applications thus far.

CONTEXTUAL

The project has been successful thus far, but we expect some challenges in the final phase.

COMPLEX

While the experimental data remains consistent thus far, further longitudinal studies are required to validate the initial hypothesis.

Usage

more formal than 'so far' and often appears in written reports or professional updates.

Teaching tip

teach as a formal synonym for 'so far'; it is frequently used with the present perfect tense because it links the past to the present.

Pitfall
I didn't see him thus far.I haven't seen him thus far.

because the phrase connects the past to the present, it usually requires the present perfect tense rather than the past simple.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated