but thus far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but thus far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limit or extent of something that has occurred up to the present moment. Example: "The project has been successful, but thus far, we have not received any feedback from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But thus far, they are failing.

The New York Times

But thus far, Republicans' unity has been astounding.

The New York Times

But thus far, he said, that has not happened.

The New York Times

But thus far we haven't seen enough of either.

The Guardian

But thus far, Donovan has played no part.

The New York Times - Sports

But, thus far, no Republican leader has made it.

The New York Times

But thus far, no other companies have emerged.

The New York Times

But thus far the Islamists have kept fighting back.

The Economist

But thus far, Mr. Clinton's long shadow has been the talk of the convention.

The New York Times

But thus far the Canadian hemlock seems unwilling to make a cross.

The New York Times

Both are young with promise, but thus far, both have struggled.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but thus far" to introduce a contrasting statement or unexpected development based on prior circumstances. This highlights a shift or lack of expected progress.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "but thus far" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but so far" or "but until now" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but thus far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a temporal boundary. It sets a limit on what has happened or been true up to the present, often implying a contrast or change is expected or possible. Ludwig's examples confirm this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "but thus far" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a contrast or limitation based on prior events. While Ludwig AI confirms it's generally acceptable, it's important to note its formality. Consider using simpler alternatives in casual contexts. It is very frequent in "News & Media", and "Science" domains, suggesting it's suitable for more formal writing. When using "but thus far", make sure that it introduces a statement that contrasts what has happened or been true until the moment of speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but to date

Emphasizes the current date as the point of reference, similar to "but thus far".

but until now

Highlights that the situation has persisted up to the present moment.

but as of yet

Formal alternative, indicating something hasn't happened up to the current time.

however, up to now

Uses "however" for contrast and specifies the time frame.

but in the interim

Implies a temporary state before a more permanent situation.

but in the meantime

Similar to "in the interim", suggesting a temporary state.

but up until this point

More explicit about the limit of time.

yet hitherto

A more formal, somewhat archaic alternative.

but previously

Focuses on what happened before the current moment.

before this point

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "but thus far" to introduce a contrasting statement based on prior circumstances. For example, "The project has been successful, but thus far, we have not received any feedback from the client".

What are some alternatives to "but thus far"?

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

Is "but thus far" formal or informal?

The phrase "but thus far" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "but so far" or "but until now".

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

"But thus far" and "but so far" are quite similar, but "but thus far" often carries a slightly more formal tone. "But so far" is more commonly used in everyday conversation.