WHEN TO USE FURTHER & FARTHER
How much effort would you put forth to distinguish between further and farther? Well, look no further — we’ve got your backs!
If you’re anything like me, you just guess when given the option between farther and further. You pick the one that fits the situation the best. The only distinction between the words appears to be a minor one that can be readily overlooked in conversation. Another than vs. then is a key distinction that may or may not be significant (no one really knows). Is there really a difference in meaning between them despite how similar they appear to be?
Further and farther both refer to a greater distance and are often used interchangeably. Although, there is a variation when it comes to conveying meanings. They are apparent words with different usage.
Farther designates a specific, measured distance while further refers additionally to a symbolic distance.
Let’s dive in and take a glance at the meanings of farther and further and how to use them in sentences.
Go the distance…farther or further?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, writers began identifying the difference between further and farther not until the 1900s. But today, people know how to distinguish them from one another.
Farther is used to measure a specific distance, while further is used to symbolic or figurative distance.
Farther serves as both an adjective and an adverb. It is used both literally and metaphorically to indicate “at a wider distance”.
How to use “Farther” in a sentence
Used as an adjective: When two items are separated by a greater distance, farther is used to indicate that both objects must be measured from a single common point.
Examples:
The red car is farther away than the green car.
The boutique shop at the farther end of the boardwalk is cheaper.
The raft carried the tourists farther south than they had planned.
Used as an adverb: Farther denotes something that is further away or at a greater distance.
Examples:
- He drove farther down the road.
- They couldn’t walk any farther that day.
- Looking up, Emma realized she had swum farther than she’d thought.
Remember this:
Because farther has the word far, it will be easier for you to recall to use farther when referring to distances.
How to use “Further” in a sentence
Further describes a greater figurative distance. When a precise measurement of the distance cannot be determined, it is frequently used. It performs the roles of an adjective, an adverb, and a verb.
Used as an adverb: Further conveys a relationship to a time place or to a greater degree.
Examples:
- We need to research further about our subject.
- She was further annoyed by a second interruption.
- I have much further to go before I can stop for the night.
Used as an adjective: Farther refers to something that is farther away or that is beyond something or additional. It can also be used to describe something that is more extreme or substantial.
Examples:
- The higher officials gave no further details on the new development.
- Robert could tolerate no further carelessness.
Functions as a verb: Farther is a symbolic rather than real activity that aids in anything moving forward or advancing.
Examples:
- To further their cause, they created an online petition.
- How can we use social media to further the market?
- I need to take that extra credit to further my education.
Conclusion
Now, do you have a clear understanding of the difference between farther and further? All you need to remember is this:
- Farther is used to measure greater distances.
- Further is used for immeasurable greater distances.
We advise staying with the words’ individual meanings. If the context is unclear, either one can probably be used, though.
