Everything you need to know thus far

Thus far is a short phrase that appears often in writing and speech when people want to talk about what has happened up to now.

It links past events to the present and helps writers show progress, results, or limits. You will see thus far in reports, emails, news stories, and casual notes. This article explains how to use thus far, how it compares to similar phrases like so far and until now, and when it sounds more formal or less natural.

I will label parts of speech in the key sentences so you can see nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and pronouns clearly. I will check verb tense and subject-verb agreement in every example and point out correct articles and prepositions. Read the examples and practice the short templates to feel confident using thus far.

Parts of speech analysis

In this article, we break down key sentences to show how nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions work together. By studying these examples, you can understand subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and proper sentence structure clearly. Practicing with short templates helps you use phrases like thus far confidently in your own writing.

Thus far is a short phrase that appears often in writing and speech when people want to talk about what has happened up to now

• Subject (phrase): Thus far functions here as a noun phrase (the topic).
• Verb (linking): is — present simple linking verb; subject is singular so is is correct.
• Nouns: phrase, writing, speech, people, what — names and nominal clause.
• Verbs in clause: appears (present simple) — agrees with singular subject phrase; want (present simple plural) — subject people plural so want is correct; has happened (present perfect) — expresses action up to now.
• Adverbs / modifiers: short (adjective modifying phrase); often (adverb modifying appears); up to now (adverbial time phrase).
• Prepositions / conjunctions: in (preposition), when (subordinating conjunction).
• Structure check: Complete sentence; verbs and tenses are consistent for general truth and temporal reference.

It links past events to the present and helps writers show progress, results, or limits

• Pronoun (subject): It refers back to thus far.
• Verbs: links and helps — present simple verbs; subject It singular requires verbs with -s; agreement correct.
• Nouns: events, present, writers, progress, results, limits — objects and complements.
• Prepositions: to connects past events and the present.
• Conjunctions: and links the two main verbs; or joins list items.
• Adjectives/Adverbs: none beyond nouns.
• Structure check: Two coordinated verbs describe function; sentence is clear.

You will see thus far in reports, emails, news stories, and casual notes

• Pronoun (subject): You — second person.
• Auxiliary + verb: will see — future simple; correct for general guidance.
• Nouns: reports, emails, news stories, casual notes — plural list of places.
• Articles / adjectives: casual modifies notes. No articles are necessary for the plural list.
• Prepositions: in introduces the list.
• Structure check: Simple future statement; verb form matches subject.

This article explains how to use thus far, how it compares to similar phrases like so far and until now, and when it sounds more formal or less natural

• Subject: This article — noun phrase.
• Verb: explains — present simple singular; agrees with subject.
• Objects / complements: how to use thus far (infinitive clause), how it compares… (subordinate clause), when it sounds more formal or less natural (subordinate clause).
• Pronouns in clauses: it refers to thus far. how, when introduce subordinate clauses.
• Adjectives / adverbs: more, less are comparative adverbs modifying formal and natural.
• Structure check: Parallel subordinate clauses listed as objects of explains; sentence is well formed.

I will label parts of speech in the key sentences so you can see nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and pronouns clearly

• Pronoun (subject): I — first person.
• Verb phrase: will label — future simple; will pairs with base verb label; agreement correct.
• Purpose clause: so you can see — can is modal + base see; subject you fits.
• Nouns / list: nouns, verbs, adjectives… — items to be labeled.
• Adverbs / modifiers: clearly modifies see.
• Structure check: Promise followed by purpose; verbs and tenses match.

I will check verb tense and subject-verb agreement in every example and point out correct articles and prepositions

• Pronoun (subject): I.
• Verbs: will check and will point out (second implied) — future simple; correct for promises.
• Nouns: verb tense, subject-verb agreement, example, articles, prepositions — items to inspect.
• Conjunction: and joins two coordinated actions.
• Prepositions: in every example indicates location of checks.
• Structure check: Parallel future actions; clear and grammatically correct.

Read the examples and practice the short templates to feel confident using thus far

• Imperatives: Read and practice — commands with implied subject you.
• Objects / verbs: the examples and the short templates are direct objects. to feel confident is an infinitive of purpose. using thus far is a gerund phrase describing the action.
• Structure check: Instructional sentence; verbs are imperative and purpose clause is clear.

What thus far means — simple definition and rule

Definition:

• Thus far means up to this point or up to now. It reports what has happened until the present moment.

Short rule to remember:

• Use thus far when you want to summarize progress or limits up to now. It is slightly more formal than so far.

Parts of speech note:

• Thus is an adverb meaning in this way or up to now in the phrase; far is an adverb of degree or distance. Together they function as an adverbial phrase indicating time or extent.

Formality and tone: when to use thus far

• Thus far is best in formal writing: reports, academic writing, business updates, and formal emails.
  • Example: Thus far, the project has met all milestones.
  • Parts of speech check: Thus far (adverbial phrase), the project (noun subject), has met (present perfect verb), all milestones (object). Present perfect matches the time frame up to now.
• In casual speech or text messages, people prefer so far or up to now.
  • Example: So far, so good.
  • Grammar note: Both forms express similar ideas; choose tone to match context.

Grammar and placement: where thus far appears in a sentence

At the start:

• Thus far, we have seen three errors.
  • Placement at start adds emphasis on time. Comma often follows.

Mid-sentence:

• We have thus far found three errors.
  • Placed before the main verb or after auxiliary verb. Check word order.

End of sentence:

• We have found three errors thus far.
  • Common and clear; places time phrase at the end as an adverbial.

Parts of speech and verb checks:

• When using perfect tenses (have/has + past participle), thus far fits naturally because it speaks to completed action up to now. Ensure subject-verb agreement: We have (plural) vs He has (singular).

Compare thus far with so far, up to now, and until now

Thus far vs so far

• So far is more casual and common in spoken English. Thus far is more formal and often used in writing. Meaning is mostly the same.
  • Example: So far, the tests look good. vs Thus far, the tests look good.

Thus far vs up to now / until now

• Up to now and until now are neutral. Use them for clarity.
  • Example: Up to now, we have not received payment.
• Until now sometimes implies a change at the present moment.
  • Example: Until now, visitors could enter for free. (implies this will change)

Grammar checks:

• All these phrases act as adverbial time markers. Use the correct tense to match the implied time. For ongoing situations use present perfect; for events with a clear past time marker use simple past.

Contextual examples with parts of speech and checks

I will give varied examples, label parts of speech simply, and check verb tense/agreement.

Business report (formal start)

• Sentence:Thus far, sales have increased by 12 percent this quarter.
  • Labels: Thus far (adverbial phrase), sales (plural noun subject), have increased (present perfect — plural auxiliary have matches sales), by 12 percent (prepositional phrase), this quarter (time phrase).
  • Grammar check: Subject-verb agreement correct; present perfect appropriate for period up to now.

Mid-sentence placement

• Sentence:We have thus far completed five modules of the course.
  • Labels: We (subject), have completed (present perfect), thus far (adverbial modifier), five modules (object).
  • Grammar check: Good word order; tense fits.

Casual comparison with so far

• Sentence:So far, the app runs smoothly, but thus far we have only tested on two phones.
  • Labels: So far and thus far (adverbials), the app (subject), runs (present simple), we (subject), have only tested (present perfect).
  • Grammar check: Mixed tenses are correct: present simple for general state, present perfect for actions up to now.

Negative context

• Sentence:Thus far, we have found no errors in the data.
  • Labels: Thus far (adverbial), we (subject), have found (present perfect), no errors (object).
  • Grammar check: Use of no negates object; auxiliary + past participle form correct.

With until now contrast

• Sentence:Until now, the policy covered only daytime shifts; thus far, it has not included nights.
  • Labels: Until now (adverbial), the policy (subject), covered (past simple), thus far (adverbial), has not included (present perfect negative).
  • Grammar check: Tenses show change: past simple for past scope, present perfect for present status up to now.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Wrong tense after thus far
   • Mistake: Thus far, we finished three tests. (uses simple past instead of present perfect for period up to now)
   • Fix: Thus far, we have finished three tests.
   • Why: Present perfect suits actions within a period that includes now.
2. Using thus far with future reference
   • Mistake: Thus far, we will meet next week. (time mismatch)
   • Fix: We will meet next week. or Thus far, we plan to meet next week.
   • Why: Thus far refers to up to now, not future certainty.
3. Overusing in casual speech
   • Tip: In informal talk use so far or up to now to sound natural.
4. Word order problems
   • Mistake: We thus have far completed (incorrect word order)
   • Fix: We have thus far completed or Thus far, we have completed.
   • Why: Keep adverbial phrase near auxiliary verb or at sentence start.
5. Comma misuse
   • Note: When thus far starts a sentence, a comma often follows: Thus far, the tests are fine. This comma is stylistic but helpful.

American vs British English differences

• There is no major dialect difference in meaning. Both US and UK speakers use thus far, so far, and up to now similarly.
• Minor style differences: British academic writing may favor thus far slightly more; American casual speech uses so far more often.
• Grammar rules are the same across dialects for tense and placement.

Idiomatic expressions and collocations

Common collocations:

• Thus far, we have…
• Thus far in the project
• Thus far, evidence suggests…
• Thus far, no issues have been reported.

Idiomatic sense:

• Thus far often signals a snapshot or interim report. It sets expectation that the situation might change.

Grammar note: Pair thus far with present perfect or present simple depending on nuance.

Practical tips for writers and speakers

1. Choose tone: Use thus far for formal tone; pick so far for casual talk.
2. Match tense: For actions within the current period use present perfect (have/has + past participle). For general truths use present simple. For completed past events with a past time marker use past simple.
3. Place the phrase: Put thus far at sentence start for emphasis, after auxiliary verb for smoother flow, or at end for casual tone.
4. Avoid awkward splits: Keep thus far near verb or at sentence start. Don’t split auxiliary and participle awkwardly.
5. Proofread for commas: Add comma after Thus far, at sentence start for clarity.

Revision and rewrite: improving grammar and style

Original (clumsy): We have completed tests thus far and they were ok but more testing will be needed later. Problems: Mixed tenses and run-on.

Rewritten (clear): Thus far, we have completed the tests, and they are satisfactory. We will need more testing later. Why better: Uses present perfect with thus far, splits into clear sentences, checks verb agreement (tests, we have completed), and clarifies future plan.

Original (wordy): Thus far the team that was assigned to that task they have done a good job so far. Rewritten (clear): Thus far, the team assigned to that task has done a good job. Why better: Removes redundancy, fixes subject-verb agreement (team has), and adds comma for readability.

Conclusion

Thus far means up to now and works well in formal reports and writing. Use present perfect when you describe actions completed in the current period. Place thus far at the start, mid, or end of a sentence depending on emphasis, and keep word order clear: We have thus far completed… or Thus far, we have completed… Avoid mixing future or past-only tenses with thus far. When speaking casually, prefer so far. Check verb tense and subject-verb agreement, place articles and prepositions correctly, and read aloud to avoid run-on sentences.

FAQs

1. Does thus far mean the same as so far? Yes, the meaning is similar. Thus far is more formal.

2. Which tense do I use with thus far? Present perfect is common: Thus far, we have completed… Use present simple for general statements.

3. Can thus far come at the end of a sentence? Yes: We have completed the work thus far.

4. Is a comma needed after Thus far at the start? A comma is stylistic but often used: Thus far, the tests show…

5. Can I use thus far for future events? No. Thus far refers to up to now, not the future.

6. Is thus far common in spoken English? Less common; people usually say so far in speech.

7. Does British vs American English change usage? No major difference. Both use it the same way.

8. Can thus far be used with past simple? It is possible but present perfect is clearer for actions up to now. Past simple works when paired with a past time marker.

9. Is thus far formal? Yes, it is relatively formal.

10. How can I test my sentence? Replace thus far with so far or up to now and see if tense and tone match. Read aloud for flow.