Insofar as means to the extent that: a statement is true, but only within certain limits. The comparison is useful insofar as both groups took the same test: it's useful only because, and only as far as, the test was the same. The word is bookish: articles, essays, reports. It's also written as in so far as.
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statement + insofar as + subject + verb; in so far as (alternative spelling)
- The comparison is useful insofar as both groups took the same test.
- We can describe the route insofar as we have explored it.
- The findings apply insofar as the same conditions are maintained.
What changed
First versionThe advice is useful insofar that it addresses your actual problem.
RevisionThe advice is useful insofar as it addresses your actual problem.
So … that is a familiar pattern, and insofar contains so, so insofar that seems logical. But the fixed form is insofar as, and a full clause follows as: insofar as it addresses your actual problem.
As long as sets a condition: You can stay as long as you're quiet. Insofar as sets a limit: The plan works insofar as everyone agrees, meaning it works exactly as far as people agree. Because gives a reason and sets no limit.
Your turn
The results are reliable insofar ___ the sample represents the population.
Show the answer
as — Insofar always goes with as: insofar as the sample represents the population. That comes from the so … that pattern, which doesn't apply here.
Think of a piece of advice someone once gave you, and set a limit on how useful it is with insofar as.
The review is helpful insofar as it describes features you actually need.
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