Further or Farther?
Further and farther could not be closer if they were the same word. Although these words are interchangeable, they do hold different meanings.
Further means to explain something to a degree or extent and can be used to modify a sentence. ”I was further annoyed by his constant questions.” Further can also be used to show something in addition to another, here’s an example:
“Further, I do not feel as if he can handle the demands of the task.”
Farther is used to explain a distance or more advanced point. For instance, “frustrated, he got no farther than chapter 2.” Now, to show or explain a distance, “he completely forgot his car was parked on the farther side of the parking lot.”
The rule of thumb:
* Only as adverbs (word describing the verb in a sentence) when used to explain spatial or metaphorical distance, can one stand in for the other.
* When there is no mention of actual distance FURTHER is used.
These words look alike, sound alike, and can be used collectively. Funnily enough, both of these words are from the same Etymology (origin) only two centuries apart. Further is derived from 12th century Middle English. Farther comes from the Middle English language of the 14th century.
How much closer do they need to be to confuse us 21st century writers?!
If you need writing or editing assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It”!
