Want to expand your English vocabulary? Have you heard of the phrase ‘as far as’? This idiom is used frequently in everyday conversations, and knowing what it means and how to use it will help take your English skills up a notch! Read on to discover more about this phrase, its different meanings, and examples of its usage in sentences.
“As Far As” Definition Explained
The expression “as far as” is a phrase used to indicate the limits of one’s knowledge or understanding, often regarding a certain topic. It can also indicate a safety limit. You can use it to express the extent of something, signaling that there is an endpoint or limitation to whatever is being discussed. Essentially, it indicates how much a speaker or writer understands something and sets boundaries on further information.
What Is the Use of “As Far As” in Writing and Speech?
The phrase “as far as” introduces conditions, restrictions, or limitations. It can be used to describe the extent of something, such as to say that something goes up to a certain point but no further.
For example, you might say, “As far as I’m concerned, the project is finished,” meaning that, in your opinion, there’s nothing else left to do.
Similarly, you could use this expression when talking about limits or boundaries between two things: “As far as he’s concerned, the dispute was settled.”
Meaning, this part of the argument was not up for debate anymore. As such, it’s a useful expression to make your statements more precise and accurate.
“Is As Far As It Goes” Meaning
The phrase “is as far as it goes” is a statement that expresses the idea of there being an end or limitation to something. It typically conveys that the current situation, event, or outcome is already at its fullest extent and cannot be extended further.
For example, if someone has been given all available information on a certain topic and they have no more to add, they might say, “That’s as far as it goes.”
This phrase can also be used about a person’s capabilities or skills. For instance, if someone does not feel confident about taking on a new task or challenge, they may say, “That is as far as it goes for me.”
By uttering this phrase, they acknowledge their limitations and the point until they are comfortable going.
When to Use “As Far As” and “As Long As”
The phrase “as far as” indicates a certain limit or boundary that something goes up to, but no further. It expresses an endpoint or limitation to whatever is being discussed.
For example, you might say, “As far as I’m concerned, this conversation is over,” meaning that, in your opinion, nothing else needs to be said.
Meanwhile, “as long as” suggests a condition or requirement for something to happen. It implies that the desired outcome will come about if this condition is met.
For example, you could say: “I’ll stay in my job as long as I’m learning something from it.” Here, you are stipulating that if the job continues to provide you with knowledge and growth opportunities, you’ll stay in it.
How Do You Use “As Far As I Know” in a Sentence?
“As far as I know” is an expression often used to indicate the limited knowledge one has on a given topic. It emphasizes that the shared information may not be completely accurate or complete since it is based on the speaker’s personal understanding.
For example, you might say: “The meeting will start at 10 AM, as far as I know.”
Here, you indicate that although you don’t have confirmation from any other source, this is your current understanding of when the meeting will begin.
To Sum It Up
The expression “as far as” is commonly used in spoken and written English. It is a useful phrase to indicate the limit of a certain point or occurrence, be it physical, mental, or even metaphorical.