(This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Understanding the difference between commonly confused words will help you avoid making errors in English usage. Let’s examine the difference between the following:
While both farther and further generally mean at a greater distance, there are differences in the specific ways these words are used.
farther
Farther has traditionally been used to refer only to physical distance, particularly in American English.
Heather’s cottage was farther from the lake than Debbie’s was.
How much farther do we have to travel to reach the border?
further
Further is used to indicate figurative distance: time, scope, or a greater extent. Further can also mean moreover or in addition to, which farther cannot. As a verb, further means to promote the progress of something; farther is not a verb.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I would like to explore this issue with you further.
Debbie used her connections to further her career.
Further is commonly used in both senses nowadays (literal or figurative distance), particularly in British English. If you are unsure which one to use, go with further, the more common word, especially if there’s no notion of actual distance involved or if the meaning relates to time. If the meaning is unmistakably related to measurable distances, feel free to use farther. Be aware that further is preferred in certain set phrases, such as until further notice.
The farther Elizabeth drove from her hometown and her parents, the further she distanced herself from their small-mindedness.☛ To help you remember that farther relates to physical distance, note that it has the word far in it. Further is connected to the word furthermore, which should help you recall that further can mean more or moreover.
I hope there are no further questions on the farther/further issue!
Photo credits:
Photo 1: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 2: Image by iSAW Company from Pixabay