Do you know the comparative degree of ” far”? We often get confused between these 2 words: “farther” and “further”. Few people use farther, and few use further. But the problem lies here: what’s the difference between these two words- are they have the same meaning or different?
So, the answer is: farther and further both can be used interchangeably and have the same meaning, but also have different meanings, so eventually it depends on the context. And yes, both are irregular comparative forms of far. But they also act as adverbs. Both are used for distance.
Meaning of Farther
Farther is used to signify a measurable greater distance. It can be used as an adjective or adverb, but subject to scenarios.
For Example
- Chamba is farther from Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Meaning of Further
Further is also used for greater distance. In many countries, people use further in their conversations to express “more distant”
But further is used to show “extra, additional or something more”.
When “further” acts as an adverb, it implies “greater distance, extent”.
But when further acts as an adjective, then it showcases “extra, more or additional information, things”.
Sometimes “further” is used as a verb also in sentences, but there further means “promote, help, or elevate”.
When to use Farther and Further
Farther is used in these situations
For physically more distant areas
For Example: Our seats are farther away from the Music podium in the concert hall than I thought. I can barely see the musicians.
For comparing two distances
Example: My hometown is farther from the airport than the railway station.
Further is used in these situations
Further = additional, more
For Instance : She needs further information on this specimen for experimental purposes.
Further = to a greater degree
Onion prices have soared and will rise further because of hoarding.
Further = promote, advance, help, develop
She is furthering his career by leading the juniors and resolving their problems in the project.
Can Further Be Used for Distance?
Yes, further can be used for distance. In many countries and languages, it is found that “further” can also be used for physical distance (that can be measured) in sentences.
- She spilt oil further down the road. (Correct)
- She spilt oil farther down the road. (Correct)
Due to these examples, it is understood that we use both interchangeably. It will not be incorrect to use “further” for physical distances also.
But to be clear, “further” is used mostly for figurative distance (that cannot be measured, e.g. abstract ideas)
- His team take one step further by automating the project.
10 Examples of Farther vs Further
- I need further information on that stock listing.
- Don’t delay the proceedings any further.
- The sale of the car has been dropped by 15% over the last 6 months and may be reduced further in the upcoming months.
- My home is farther from school than yours.
- Your exam dates have been postponed further.
- We walked farther to reach the mountain peak.
- We hiked up further to see the Milky Way galaxy at the top of the valley.
- He decided to further his job profile by completing a certification in software courses.
- Fishermen sailed farther to reach the shore on time before the flood submerged them in the ocean.
- George registered this issue further to speed up the process for fair judgement.
Easy trick to remember Farther vs Further
Farther → for physical measurable distance
Further → additional, more; promote; figurative distance
But also remember that using further for physical distance is not incorrect. There is no strict rule for using “further” for physical distance.
Worksheet on Further and Farther
- How much ________ do we need to go down the forest to collect the herbs?
- She saw a river ______ down the bridge.
- Fictional book store is ________ from my home than school.
- Don’t mess up your lines ________ on stage.
- We were standing _________ away from the stadium that we can’t even listen them clearly from our space.
- No one can meddle in this competition _________.
- Mumbai is _______ from Delhi than Gujarat.
- He swam into the ________ sea to save the lives of drowned people during the flood.
- She came here ________ away from her town to receive training from renowned instructors.
- I declared you a temporary president of the team until _______ instructions are received from the Board members.
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