lifetime thus far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lifetime thus far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the duration of someone's life up to the present moment, often in a reflective or evaluative context. Example: "Throughout my lifetime thus far, I have learned many valuable lessons that have shaped who I am today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Over time, this can be significant: over its 4.5 billion year lifetime thus far, the Sun has lost approximately the mass of Saturn through this process.

Forbes

I feel perfectly able but you're telling me I'm going to need assistance doing things I've done a million times in my lifetime thus far?" How can this be?, I thought..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hakalir and Perl conceived and built the company during the worst recession of their lifetime, and have thus far lived to tell the tale.

Huffington Post

(Roth has accumulated something like fifty-five to date; Updike racked up more than thirty, including the Bad Sex in Fiction Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2008, an honor that has thus far eluded Roth).

The New Yorker

If this market period won't be repeated in your lifetime, preserving some of the gains it has awarded you thus far may be a smart idea.

Los Angeles Times

The day thus far.

The Guardian

But Obama thus far?

Independent

The upshot thus far?

The Guardian - Sport

So thus far … no.

The Guardian

Thus far at least.

The Guardian

Thus far, U.S. Reps.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lifetime thus far" when you want to add a reflective tone to your writing, especially when evaluating past experiences or changes over time. For instance, "In my professional lifetime thus far, I've witnessed several technological revolutions."

Common error

Avoid using "lifetime thus far" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "so far" or "until now" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lifetime thus far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the duration or extent of an action or state up to the present time. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct, serving to provide a temporal reference.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lifetime thus far" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to refer to the duration of someone's life up to the present. According to Ludwig, while correct, it is not frequently used, which leads to its classification as "Rare". Predominantly found in the "News & Media" category, it conveys a reflective and evaluative tone. While there may be times where it is appropriate to use, consider using more common synonyms such as "so far" or "until now" for a less formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to this point in life

Emphasizes the progression to the present moment.

to date in life

A more concise and formal alternative.

so far in life

A simpler and more common way to express the same idea.

in my life until now

Highlights the personal experience and duration.

thus far in my existence

A more existential and slightly elevated phrasing.

until the present day in my life

Adds a sense of completion or arrival at the current time.

in all my years to this moment

Emphasizes the accumulation of years leading to now.

throughout my life so far

Highlights the entire span of life until the present.

in my journey thus far

Uses "journey" metaphorically to represent life.

as my life has unfolded

Emphasizes the unfolding and progressive nature of life.

FAQs

What does "lifetime thus far" mean?

The phrase "lifetime thus far" refers to the entire duration of someone's life up to the present moment. It is used to reflect on experiences, changes, or achievements within that timeframe.

What are some alternatives to "lifetime thus far"?

Alternatives include "so far", "up to now", "to date", or "until now". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "lifetime thus far" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to reflect on someone's journey and experiences or compare their past to the present. For instance, "Throughout his career "to date", he has achieved remarkable success."

Is "lifetime thus far" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "lifetime thus far" is grammatically correct, but it's considered quite formal. Ludwig confirms its correctness, although it suggests it's not the most common phrasing.