but so far

USAGE SUMMARY

"but so far" is a perfectly valid phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has not yet been achieved, even though it has been attempted. For example, "I have tried to understand the concept, but so far, I'm still not sure I get it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But so far, nothing.

The New Yorker

But so far, no.

The New York Times

But so far, no hit.

The New York Times

But so far, no takers.

Independent

But so far, I don't".

The New York Times

But so far, nothing concrete.

The New York Times

But so far, little tennis.

The New York Times

But so far, no luck.

The New York Times

"But so far that's it".

The New York Times

But so far, few feel the benefits.

The Economist

"But so far we still exist".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but so far" to introduce a contrasting situation, where expectations have not been met or progress has been limited. It's effective for setting up anticipation or highlighting a lack of results.

Common error

Avoid using "but so far" merely to connect two independent clauses without a clear contrast. Ensure that the second part of the sentence genuinely contradicts or falls short of what might have been expected from the first part.

Linguistic Context

But so far functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a contrast or a qualification to a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing many examples where it sets up an unfulfilled expectation or a current limitation. It often connects two clauses, where the second clause presents a situation that hasn't met the anticipated outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

But so far is a frequently used conjunction phrase that sets up a contrast between a previous statement and the current situation, indicating that something expected has not yet occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, more formal alternatives like "thus far" or "as of yet" may be preferable in strictly formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure there's a genuine contrast and avoid using it merely as a simple conjunction. Given its frequency and clarity, it remains a useful tool for expressing unfulfilled expectations or limited progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, until now

Replaces "but so far" with a stronger emphasis on the contrast and the current state.

yet, to date

Substitutes "but so far" with a more concise and formal expression.

as of yet

Replaces "but so far" with a slightly more emphatic and time-sensitive phrase.

up to this point

Substitutes "but so far" with a phrase that highlights the progression to the present.

thus far

Replaces "but so far" with a more formal and succinct alternative.

as yet

Replaces "but so far" with a shorter, more literary alternative.

until the present time

Substitutes "but so far" with a more descriptive and emphatic phrase.

however, up till now

Replaces "but so far" with a variation that maintains the contrast.

in the meantime

Implies something might happen later, diverging slightly from the direct contrast of "but so far".

for now

Focuses more on the temporary nature of the current situation, less on a contrasting expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "but so far" in a sentence?

Use "but so far" to introduce a contrasting element or a lack of expected progress. For example, "I've been studying diligently, but so far, my grades haven't improved."

What are some alternatives to "but so far"?

You can use alternatives like "however, until now", "yet, to date", or "as of yet" depending on the context.

Is "but so far" formal or informal?

"But so far" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "thus far" or "as of yet" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "but so far" and "but still"?

"But so far" emphasizes the lack of progress up to the present moment, while "but still" indicates that something continues to be true despite a contrasting factor. For example: "I've tried everything, but so far, nothing has worked" versus "It was raining, but still, we went for a walk."