thus

thus — adverb

1. in the particular manner or style just mentioned — used to show how something is

1.adverbB2
Definition

in the particular manner or style just mentioned — used to show how something is done or arranged, especially when the method is important or surprising.

Example

The technician adjusted the settings thus, pressing each button in a careful sequence.

thus followed by a participial phrase describing the method

Yuki explained the recipe thus: first toast the spices, then grind them into a powder.

thus followed by a colon introducing a step-by-step procedure

Common collocations
  • thus + participle
  • thus + colon + clause
Synonyms
  • like this

    neutral register, preferred in everyday speech

  • in this way

    slightly less formal than 'thus', common in both writing and speech

  • so

    archaic or literary in this sense; more natural in fixed phrases like 'so it was done'

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

thus + [clause describing a method or procedure]

[verb phrase] + thus

Usage Note

Primarily used in formal written or spoken English. In everyday conversation, 'like this' or 'in this way' is more natural.

Common Mistakes

You should do it thus.' (too formal for casual speech).
You should do it like this.
'thus' sounds stiff in everyday conversation; use 'like this' instead.

2. shows that what follows is the consequence of what was just said — linking an ea

2.adverbB2
Definition

shows that what follows is the consequence of what was just said — linking an earlier fact or event to its logical outcome.

Example

The factory's main supplier closed; thus, production was halted for two weeks.

semicolon + thus + comma linking cause and result

Joaquín missed the application deadline, and thus his name was removed from the shortlist.

and thus joining two clauses to show consequence

Common collocations
  • and thus
  • thus + result clause
Synonyms
  • therefore

    equally formal; interchangeable in most contexts

  • consequently

    slightly more formal than 'thus'; common in academic writing

  • hence

    formal; often used in mathematical or logical reasoning

  • so

    neutral register; the natural choice in everyday speech

Grammar Patterns

[cause] ; thus, [result]

[cause], and thus [result]

Usage Note

Common in academic essays, legal documents, and formal reports. In less formal writing or speech, 'therefore', 'so', or 'as a result' are more frequent.

Common Mistakes

I was tired, thus I went to bed.' (acceptable but very formal for everyday speech).
I was tired, so I went to bed.
'so' is more natural in casual contexts.

3. up to the present moment or up to a particular point in time — used to describe

3.adverbC1
Definition

up to the present moment or up to a particular point in time — used to describe the situation as it stands, with the possibility of change ahead.

Example

Thus far, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing by any staff member.

fixed phrase: thus far at the start of a sentence

Yael has interviewed twenty families thus far and aims to reach thirty soon.

Common collocations
  • thus far
Synonyms
  • so far

    neutral register; the everyday alternative to 'thus far'

  • up to now

    neutral register; interchangeable with 'so far'

  • until now

    often implies a recent change; slightly different nuance

Antonyms
  • from now on

    referring to the future rather than the past

Grammar Patterns

thus far

Usage Note

Almost always appears in the fixed two-word phrase 'thus far'. In everyday speech, 'so far' or 'up to now' is much more common.

Common Mistakes

Thus, my boss has not replied.' (confuses sense 2 with sense 3).
Thus far, my boss has not replied.
'thus far' is the correct fixed phrase for 'so far'.
Idioms

thus far

idiom

Until the present time or up to this point in a process.

Thus far, the team has completed only half of the project.

Have you enjoyed the movie thus far?

Common collocations

Phrases