Farther and further are two words that are often confused with one another. They can both be used as adverbs and adjectives, and they can mean different things in different contexts.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these strikingly similar words and give you some tips to help you remember which one to use when.
Meaning
The words farther and farther look similar and sound very similar, so it’s not surprising that people sometimes mix them up. The confusion isn’t that big of a deal, but understanding the difference can help you write more clearly and correctly.
Both words mean more distance, but farther is usually reserved for literal, physical distance, while farther can be used for figurative or abstract distance. The distinction is easy to remember because farther has the word far in it, which will always remind you that it refers to actual distance.
However, there is some flexibility in the rules surrounding these two words, and they can be used interchangeably in some contexts. It’s best to stick with the traditional definitions if you want to avoid any confusion. The Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook both recommend using farther for measurable, literal distance and further for figurative or abstract distance. That being said, many writers and publications don’t adhere to this rule.
Usage
In some senses, farther and further are interchangeable as adverbs. They are also often used interchangeably as adjectives to describe distance, whether literal or figurative. However, a lot of usage guides advise that you reserve farther for physical distance and further for figurative.
In addition to describing distance, farther can also be used to mean something is to a greater degree or extent. For instance, you might say she swam farther than she thought she could. It is important to keep in mind that farther can also be a verb, meaning she furthered her studies.
Keeping these differences in mind can help you avoid confusion when using these words. It’s easy to confuse them because they sound similar, are spelled the same, and have very similar meanings. In fact, they are two of the most commonly confused words in the English language. Other commonly confused words include then and than, use to vs. used to, alright vs. all right, and so on.
Spelling
While farther and further are closely related and have similar meanings, they should not be used interchangeably. Further began life as a variant of far, and throughout most of its history the words have been considered interchangeable in terms of physical or figurative distance. More recently, however, it has come to be more often preferred for figurative distances and as an adverb (moreover; additionally). Some usage guides recommend that farther should remain reserved for physical distance, while further should be used in figurative contexts and as a verb (to advance someone’s career).
Since both words sound and look very similar and have almost identical definitions, it is easy to mix them up when speaking or writing. To avoid this confusion, try to remember that farther has the word far in it, which should help you to recall that it is meant for physical distances. Further also has the word more in it, which should remind you that it is a better choice for figurative or metaphorical distances.
Grammar
Farther and farther are both adverbs and adjectives, and they can be used in different ways depending on the context. For much of their history, the distinction between these words was not clear, and even now many writers use them interchangeably or dismiss their differences as a matter of style. But it is important to know the difference because farther refers to physical distance, while further refers to figurative distance.
A good way to remember this rule is to think of the word far, which is the root word of both farther and further. When in doubt, always go with farther to avoid confusion. This simple rule will help you distinguish farther from further, and it can be a useful tool when writing or proofreading. Using grammar checkers like Grammarly can also help you ensure that your writing is correct and concise. This advanced tool can also help you catch spelling mistakes and improve your vocabulary.