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adverb

so far

soh FAR

So far (adverb) means Up to the present moment, with the implication that things may still change. Example: “We have sold four hundred tickets so far.”

adverb
1
Up to the present moment, with the implication that things may still change.
"We have sold four hundred tickets so far."
"So far, nobody has complained."
2
Up to a particular limit or point, beyond which something will not go.
"Goodwill will only carry you so far."
"I trust him, but only so far."

How to use so far

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUp to now.

When to use it

Neutral. It normally goes with the present perfect in British English: "I have read three chapters so far."

Memory tip

So far implies the story is unfinished. If the matter is closed, use in the end or finally instead.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
by now until now as far as
Common pairings
so far so good so far this year only goes so far so far, no news
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We have sold four hundred tickets _____.

Etymology

Compound of so + far. Compare Dutch zo ver.

up to now as yet thus far to date

Related words

Rhymes for so far

See all rhymes for so far →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between so far and until now?

They overlap, but until now often signals that the situation is about to change: "Until now we have refused." So far is a plain running total up to the present with no such hint.

What does so far so good mean?

It means that nothing has gone wrong up to this point, while quietly acknowledging that the job is not finished and could still go wrong.

What is the meaning of so far?

"so far" (adverb) means up to the present moment, with the implication that things may still change.

What is another word for so far?

Other words for "so far" include up to now, as yet, thus far, to date.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary