Do you use farther and further interchangeably? You’re not alone. These two terms have very similar meanings and English speakers have been using them interchangeably for centuries. However, there are subtle differences between the terms, and the prevailing distinction that informs good usage is fairly straightforward. Let’s take a look.

The widely accepted rule is to use farther to discuss physical distances, as in He went farther down the road.

Further should be used for figurative distance or to discuss degree or extent, as in I wanted to discuss it further, but we didn’t have time. Additionally, you can further, or advance, a project, but you cannot farther a project because farther does not have a verb sense. Further also has an adverbial sense of “moreover; additionally,” so you can say Further, you hurt my feelings, but not Farther, you hurt my feelings.

An ace up your sleeve to using these two words as an informed speaker or writer is knowing that FARTHER has to do with something tangible I.e it can be seen- Omoni went down the tunnel, he could not see Rose, so he went farther to the railway station. On the other hand, FURTHER is abstract in concept. It is figurative because the beauty of its expression lies in words basically-Benjamin still believes that if he had met Linda earlier in life, he would have gone further in his public speaking career.

While the above is a general guide to good usage, the physical vs. figurative distance distinction is not always adhered to in popular usage, a fact that you will find reflected in our definitions for these two terms. However, knowing the difference between good usage and popular usage will set you apart in formal settings and in the company of style-guide devotees.

We hope this explanation has furthered your understanding of these two terms!

Acknowledgement: Dictionary.com
Relevant additions and explanations are made by Omoni.

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