Because they sound similar, distinguishing further vs farther could be challenging. What adds to the confusion is the fact that these two words are used interchangeably. Some guides say that farther means physical distance and farther means figurative distance, however it’s probably best to follow the advice in this article. Read on to know more in detail.
But not to worry! In this guide, we’ll be learning more about the difference between the two. We will also talk about how to use them correctly in a sentence. Before we do, check out more words and their usage on 501 Words.
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Further vs Farther
Aside from their differences in spelling, the correct usage of further vs. farther also sets these two apart. Before we learn how to use them properly, let’s learn about how they function in a sentence.
When to Use Further vs Farther
Further can be used as a verb, adverb, or adjective in a sentence. Meanwhile, farther can functions as an adjective and adverb in a sentence.
Further
When used as a verb, further means “advance or help in the progress of something.” Look at this example: “He talked to the mayor to further his political interests.” In this sentence above, “further” was used as a verb to the object “political interests.”
When used as an adverb, “further” means “in addition to.” The Ford ad slogan “Go further” is an example of its adverb function.
When used as an adjective, “further” means “additional or more.” Here’s an example: “Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email.” The use of further here means that you are referring to additional questions that your readers might have.
As a general rule, when no notion of distance is involved, we use further in the sentence.
Farther
When used as an adjective, farther means “at or to a greater distance.” This is used for sentences that involve a physical distance. For example: “The truck is farther up the woods by now.”
When used as an adverb, farther would now mean that the action has resulted in greater distance. For example: “I didn’t realize that I ran up the hill farther than anyone else.
How To Avoid The Further Vs Farther Error
Farther and Further are two words that are often confused and misused by many people. Although there is a slight difference in usage, both words can also mean the same thing. Farther is an adjective or adverb that refers to physical distance, while further is an adjective or adverb that refers to an extension of time, degree, or amount. It is important to understand the difference in order to avoid the further vs farther error.
Farther is used to describe a greater physical distance than something else. For example, “The beach is farther than the park.” This sentence implies that the beach is located at a greater distance than the park. Farther can also be used to refer to the amount of time it takes to travel somewhere. For example, “It takes me two hours to drive farther to the beach.” This sentence implies that the beach is located at a greater distance than the other place being referred to.
Further is used to refer to an extension of time, degree, or amount. For example, “I need to further my education.” This sentence implies that the speaker needs to continue or extend their education. Further can also be used to refer to a greater amount or degree than something else. For example, “I need to further my understanding of the subject.” This sentence implies that the speaker needs to increase their understanding of the subject.
In summary, it is important to understand the difference between further and farther in order to avoid the further vs farther error. Farther is used to describe a greater physical distance than something else, while further is used to refer to an extension of time, degree, or amount. Knowing the difference will allow you to accurately and correctly use these words in your writing.
Further vs Farther Examples
Now that we have discussed how each should be used in a sentence let’s take on more examples.
I need to take more online courses to further/farther my skills.
Right: I need to take more online courses to further my skills.
Wrong: I need to take more online courses to farther my skills.
In the sentence above, further should be used because you are advancing your skills.
William has to travel further/farther up north if he wants to start a new life.
Right: William has to travel farther up north if he wants to start a new life.
Wrong: William has to travel further up north if he wants to start a new life.
Since we are talking about a physical distance, farther should be used in this sentence.
Let’s stop the motor unless we want to do any farther/further damage.
Right: Let’s stop the motor unless we want to do any further damage.
Wrong: Let’s stop the motor unless we want to do any farther damage.
We’re talking about avoiding any additional damage in the sentence, which is why we use further.
FAQ’s
As Farther is referenced as physical distance and Further is referenced as symbolic distance, the sentence would be constructed like this: “The well is farther down the road”.
When you’re using your money economically to buy things, you use the word further to construct. Example: Your credit card has reached the limit, do not spend any further money. When you use your money to represent physical distance, the word farther is used. Example: “Just throw this money receipt farther into the ocean”.
Conclusion
While they are used interchangeably nowadays, further vs. farther should be used differently. It’s essential to know the difference because these are used in professional and formal settings.
As a general rule, if there is no notion of distance in the sentence, you should use “further”. It also helps to replace further with “additional” or “more” to check if the sentence sounds right! You can post questions about simple distinction, clearer distinctions, aforementioned distinction, their history of usage, usage guidance or usage guide, metaphorical distance, literal distance or anything you would know in the box below.