so far as

USAGE SUMMARY

"so far as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a particular degree or extent up to which something is true or exists. For example: "So far as we know, the drug has not yet been approved by the FDA."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far as is known, he never got a reply.

The New York Times

"In so far as, it was always changing.

The Guardian

So far as it goes.

Independent

"So far as we know".

The New Yorker

Not so far as you can see.

The New Yorker

So far as I have grown up".

The Guardian - Books

Not so far as I can see.

The Guardian

Not so far as I know.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, I wouldn't go so far as to say praiseworthy.

The Economist

No, at least so far as is known.

Independent

No Roosevelt forgeries have appeared so far as Carmichael knows.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so far as", ensure that the main clause clearly expresses the qualified statement. This will help maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so far as" in situations where the limitation is already implied or obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. For instance, instead of saying "So far as I can see, the project is complete", simply state "The project is complete" if the context already makes it clear that you are offering your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so far as" functions as a subordinating conjunction or adverbial phrase, introducing a clause that qualifies or limits the scope of the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so far as" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce qualifications or limitations to a statement. It functions as a subordinating conjunction or adverbial phrase, setting boundaries on the extent to which something is true. While "as far as" is often interchangeable and more common, "so far as" tends to be slightly more formal. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples confirm its versatile usage across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. Therefore, use "so far as" when you need to precisely qualify a statement, keeping in mind the potential for a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as far as

Slightly more common and generally interchangeable, it expresses a limitation or condition.

insofar as

More formal synonym, also used to express a limit or degree to which something is true.

to the extent that

More verbose, but conveys a similar sense of limitation or condition.

as much as

Indicates a degree or limit up to which something is true or possible.

within the limits of

Focuses on the boundaries or constraints affecting a situation.

as far as something goes

Adds a more conversational tone, suggesting a partial assessment.

considering

Highlights a specific factor that influences the overall view.

up to a point

Implies that something is true or valid only to a certain degree.

to a degree

Expresses a limited extent of truth or validity.

subject to

Specifies conditions that must be met or considered.

FAQs

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

Use "so far as" to introduce a qualification or limitation to a statement. For example, "So far as I understand, the changes will not affect the budget".

What can I say instead of "so far as"?

You can use alternatives like "as far as", "insofar as", or "to the extent that" depending on the context.

Is "so far as" interchangeable with "as far as"?

While they are often interchangeable, "as far as" is generally more common and less formal than "so far as". Both introduce a limitation or condition.

When is it appropriate to use "so far as" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "so far as" when you want to express a qualification or limitation to a statement, especially in more formal contexts. For example, "So far as the evidence suggests, the theory holds true".