so far as we have observed vs as far as we have observed

The phrases are both acceptable, but they would be used in somewhat dissimilar contexts. 'So far as we have observed' is more formal and emphasizes the extent of the observation, while 'As far as we have observed' is a more common and concise way to express the same idea.

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Last updated: March 05, 2025 • 5570 views

This phrase is correct but more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.

"so far as we have observed"

This phrase is used to emphasize the extent of observation or knowledge in a formal context.

Show examples from the web [+]

In this respect, I would like to point out that so far you have observed that there has been no debate in ACP parliaments either on EPAs or Country Strategy Papers.
No signs of intoxication from an overdose have so far been observed during clinical use.
The fact that this second round effect has not been observed so far is welcome.
These facts were put into perspective with the clinical consequences observed so far and the apparent low benefits and uncertainties obtained from the Hepatitis B vaccination utilising Hexavac for the target population.
The following principles shall as far as possible be observed in relation to interpreting arrangements:
Calls on the parties involved scrupulously to respect the ceasefire under Resolution 1701, which entered into force on 14 August and has so far largely been observed;
With the help of the Commission's proposals, practical problems and delays with the awarding of residency permits would be avoided, which - as I have mentioned - have thus far been observed in many Member States.
In so far as reasons for the decisions are made public, the first sentence of this article must be observed.
I think we have reached agreement about the fact that we have done what had to be done and have observed all the deadlines, so far at least.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the risks to the debt ratio which can arise when macroeconomic conditions deteriorate and these effects are not counterbalanced by a sufficiently high primary surplus.
The decline since 1997 has been the strongest and the most sustained by far since that observed in the late 1980s.
The pattern observed thus far during the 1990s is an illustration of the powerful effects which a strong deterioration in the macroeconomic environment and exceptional events can have on the debt ratio, particularly in the absence of a primary surplus to compensate for these factors.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the close link between primary deficits and adverse debt dynamics, irrespective of the starting level of debt - which in the case of the United Kingdom was comparatively low.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the risks to the debt ratio which can arise when the lasting effects of an unfavourable growth/ interest rate differential are not counteracted by primary surpluses.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the debt-reducing effect of continuous primary surpluses, while, on the other hand, these effects were reinforced by strong growth.
Maybe you went so far as to take Freddy out.
So far as a woman like Helen can be replaced.
Some went so far as to claim he was a murderer.
No actual first name, so far as I know.
Some went so far as to call us... crazy.

Alternatives:

as far as we have observed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language.

"as far as we have observed"

This phrase is a more common and concise way to express the extent of observation or knowledge.

Show examples from the web [+]

The following principles shall as far as possible be observed in relation to interpreting arrangements:
In this respect, I would like to point out that so far you have observed that there has been no debate in ACP parliaments either on EPAs or Country Strategy Papers.
No signs of intoxication from an overdose have so far been observed during clinical use.
The fact that this second round effect has not been observed so far is welcome.
With the help of the Commission's proposals, practical problems and delays with the awarding of residency permits would be avoided, which - as I have mentioned - have thus far been observed in many Member States.
These facts were put into perspective with the clinical consequences observed so far and the apparent low benefits and uncertainties obtained from the Hepatitis B vaccination utilising Hexavac for the target population.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the risks to the debt ratio which can arise when macroeconomic conditions deteriorate and these effects are not counterbalanced by a sufficiently high primary surplus.
The decline since 1997 has been the strongest and the most sustained by far since that observed in the late 1980s.
As far as money is concerned.
And as far as my wife is concerned...
As far as the world knows...
Instructions shall be given as far as feasible by pictograms.
The pattern observed thus far during the 1990s is an illustration of the powerful effects which a strong deterioration in the macroeconomic environment and exceptional events can have on the debt ratio, particularly in the absence of a primary surplus to compensate for these factors.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the close link between primary deficits and adverse debt dynamics, irrespective of the starting level of debt - which in the case of the United Kingdom was comparatively low.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the risks to the debt ratio which can arise when the lasting effects of an unfavourable growth/ interest rate differential are not counteracted by primary surpluses.
The patterns observed thus far during the 1990s may be seen as indicative of the debt-reducing effect of continuous primary surpluses, while, on the other hand, these effects were reinforced by strong growth.
As far as the concept of a "specific institutional framework" within the meaning of the second subparagraph of Article 300(3) is concerned, it is observed the Court of Justice has yet to cast any light on how is it to be interpreted.
As far as foreign policy is concerned, once again 'sympathy' for Turkey without the necessary self-criticism for the steps already taken banking on the fact that minimum human rights would be observed when, on the contrary, the situation has deteriorated.
As regards the exchange of information between the Council of Europe and the Agency for Fundamental Rights, it is of the utmost importance, as far as possible, that such exchange should take place under conditions of absolute confidentiality observed on both sides.
.1.1 As far as practicable, parts of the oil fuel system containing heated oil under pressure exceeding 0,18 N/mm2 shall not be placed in a concealed position such that defects and leakage cannot readily be observed.

Alternatives:

so far as we have observed

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so far as we have observed vs as far as we have observed

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