Further vs Farther: Which One to Use?

Have you ever found yourself unsure about whether to use the word ‘further’ or ‘farther’?

These two words are indeed confusing sometimes!

In this blog post, you can learn the difference between ‘further’ and ‘farther’ and when to use each one correctly.

What’s the difference between Further and Farther?

Let’s start by defining these two words and taking a look at their grammatical function.

Further

• Definition: Further refers to an extension of time, quantity, or degree.
• Grammatical Function: It is an adverb and adjective.
• Examples of Usage:
  • I need to think about this further before making a decision.
  • The company’s plan is to expand further into the global market.

Farther

• Definition: Farther refers to physical distance.
• Grammatical Function: It is an adverb and adjective.
• Examples of Usage:
  • I can’t run any farther today, I’m too tired.
  • The new office is located farther from the city center than the old one.

As you can see, ‘further’ and ‘farther’ have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. It’s important to use the correct word in order to communicate your meaning effectively.

When to Use Further vs Farther

Now that you know the definition and grammatical function of ‘further’ and ‘farther’, let’s take a look at when to use each word correctly.

Incorrect Usage Examples

• The new store is located further away from my house. (Correct version: The new store is located farther away from my house.)
• Can we discuss this farther in the meeting? (Correct version: Can we discuss this further in the meeting?)

Correct Usage Examples

• I need to research this further before making a decision.
• The river runs farther through the forest.

In a Nutshell

‘Further’ refers to an extension of time, quantity, or degree, while ‘farther’ refers to physical distance.

When in doubt, ask yourself if you’re referring to an abstract concept (further) or a physical distance (farther).

Quick Recap

• Key Points to Remember:
  1. ‘Further’ refers to an extension of time, quantity, or degree.
  2. ‘Farther’ refers to physical distance.

Final Thoughts on Further vs Farther

With these key points in mind, you’re ready to use ‘further’ and ‘farther’ with confidence! If you’re still unsure, take this short quiz to test your understanding:

1. I need to think about this _________ before making a decision. a. further b. farther (Answer: a. further)
2. The new office is located __________ from the city center than the old one. a. further b. farther (Answer: b. farther)
3. Can we discuss this __________ in the meeting? a. further b. farther (Answer: a. further)
4. The company plans to expand __________ into the global market. a. further b. farther (Answer: a. further)
5. I can’t run any __________ today, I’m too tired. a. further b. farther (Answer: b. farther)
6. The river runs __________ through the forest. a. further b. farther (Answer: b. farther)
7. The new store is located __________ away from my house. a. further b. farther (Answer: b. farther)
8. I need to research this __________ before making a decision. a. further b. farther (Answer: a. further)
9. The company’s growth has been steady, and they plan to continue to grow __________. a. further b. farther (Answer: a. further)
10. The journey to the summit will take us __________ into the mountains. a. further b. farther (Answer: b. farther)

I hope this blog post has helped clear up the confusion between ‘further’ and ‘farther’! Happy writing!