Are you looking for a way to prepare people to hear progress to date on your project? If so, you could prefix the information with “thus far” to let them know you’re talking about events until now. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “thus far” means a measure of events and time from creating something to the present moment. It’s a formal rendition of “so far,” as it has more or less the same meaning. However, “thus far” is the more acceptable version in business and corporate communications.
If you’re going to contact your insurer by email to discuss your claims, you will use the “thus far” version in your writing rather than “so far.” This language helps create a neutral, unbiased feeling to the communication, removing the personal touch from the email.
“Thus far” means everything from a certain point in the past to the current update. It’s common in presentations and summaries, and it works in verbal and written formats.
Example Usage
“We’ve managed to secure 20% of the vote thus far. We expect to end the campaign with around 45% of the popular vote, which should send us into the next round.”
“The project is a raging success thus far. However, we need to keep an eye on operating expenses as they are eating into margins and could deter growth this quarter.”
“Thus far, we’ve seen a huge growth in emerging markets, and we believe we’ll see good results quarter-on-quarter for the coming three to five years.”
“It’s been a hard road thus far, but we expect things to smooth out during the final quarter, leading us into a soft landing in the coming year.”
“There is no way we can sustain this level of growth without something going wrong. Thus far, we’ve seen huge numbers, but what happens when the economy reopens?”
“The management selection process has been grueling thus far. We are down to the final two candidates and expect to have a decision by the end of the weekend.”
“Thus far, everything looks good, and we’re on track to finish the project by the end of the summer.”
Origin
The expression “thus far” originates from the William Shakespeare play, “Henry V,” written and performed in 1599. Act 5, Scene 2 of the play features the lines,
“Thus far, with trough and all-unable pen,
Our bending author hath pursu’d the story,
In a little room confining mighty men,
Mangling by starts the full course of their glory.”
Henry decides that it is time for him to marry Princess Katherine in the scene. Together, they will create a treaty ensuring their heirs ascend to the French throne.
Some experts suggest that the word “thus” is another version of “so,” with the change introduced by Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture.
Phrases Similar to Thus Far
- So far.
- In the meantime.
Phrases Opposite to Thus Far
- Unknown
What is the Correct Saying?
- Thus far.
Ways People May Say Thus Far Incorrectly
Some people may confuse using “thus far” and “so far,” depending on the environment and circumstances. “Thus far” is the more formal version and sits used in the business realm. “Sor far” is for social use and the less proper interpretation of the term.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Thus Far
The phrase “thus far” is the more formal version of the saying “so far.” It’s uncommon to hear “thus far” outside of the professional realm of business and industry. For instance, if you were talking with your friends, you would use “so far,” but if you were typing a business email, you would use “thus far.”
“thus far” means things up to that date. So, it suits situations where you’re trying to explain project details to that date and what people can expect from future developments. You could use “so far” with your friends when bringing them up to speed on current events.