ever so far

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever so far" is a valid expression in written English and can be used for emphasis.
For example, you could write "He has traveled ever so far in search of knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The study, they were told, "is more important than ever". So far, said Dr. Rossouw, the women are reacting calmly.

The New York Times

"So, let's qualify that as 'the worst cameo by a sportsman in the history of the word ever so far'".

The Guardian - Sport

It is, in fact, a conception of a metropolis as a centre of life, more intense, more eager, more vitalising than has ever so far been obtained".

The Guardian - Arts

The books include Hughes's Alfie's Shop, Simon's Horrid Henry's Guide to Perfect Parents, Horowitz's The Diamond Brothers in… Two of Diamonds and Pichon's Tom Gates: Best Book Day Ever! (So Far).

The Guardian - Books

Well, yes, he does, as it happens - to a most distinguished editor, though not one who ever, so far as I know, set foot in Fleet Street, or any of its surrounding byways.

The Guardian - Books

He said: "It's the best memory ever so far in my rugby career.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

May is considered the best time for climbing in the Nepalese Himalayas because of mild weather and some 300 people have reached the 8,848-metre 8,848-metret so far thighyEverest

HuffPost

Include photos of your best birthdays ever, writing on what your best ever presents so far were and even drawing little pics of cakes or balloons.

WikiHow

When Saint Patrick visited Moone, he was so unimpressed by his reception that he placed a curse decreeing that no man born in Moone would ever become a king or a bishop – and none ever has, so far.

The Guardian - Travel

No mainstream unionist leader has ever gone so far.

The Economist

This is the lowest value ever reported so far for nanotubes contacted in an end-bonded geometry.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase's slightly old-fashioned tone is appropriate for your writing style.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ever so far" can sound archaic or overly formal in contemporary writing. Opt for more direct and modern alternatives unless you're aiming for a specific stylistic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to express the extent or degree of an action. Ludwig AI provides examples showing it in contexts emphasizing significant progress or distance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever so far" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the extent of progress or distance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its usage is grammatically correct but not extremely common, lending a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone. While versatile, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to highlight significant changes or achievements. Consider modern alternatives like "a long way" or "considerable progress" for a more contemporary feel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable progress

Emphasizes the degree of advancement made.

remarkable progress

Synonymous with 'considerable progress' and 'significant advancement'.

substantial advancement

Similar to 'considerable progress' but with a focus on the improvement made.

significant distance

Focuses on the amount of space covered.

remarkable extent

Highlights the degree to which something reaches or stretches.

notable development

Emphasizes the significance of the change or growth.

considerable measure

Highlights the degree or quantity of something achieved.

great strides

Implies rapid and significant progress.

substantial lead

Focuses on the degree of advantage gained.

long way

A more informal way of expressing significant progress or distance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "ever so far" is typically used to emphasize the distance traveled or the progress made. For example, "He has come "ever so far" in his studies since he began."

What's a more modern alternative to "ever so far"?

Alternatives to "ever so far" include phrases like "a long way", "considerable progress", or "significant distance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "ever so far" formal or informal?

"Ever so far" tends to have a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone. It's generally more appropriate for written content or situations where a more elevated style is desired.

Can "ever so far" be used to describe emotional distance?

While primarily used to describe physical distance or progress, "ever so far" can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological distance, emphasizing the magnitude of the change or separation.