Grammatically Correct 6/14/05
A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors.
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
When to Use “Farther” Versus “Further”
by David Felts
The ability to use farther and further correctly helps make your writing clear and intended meaning more apparent. Many people use these two words interchangeably, thinking there is no difference between them. There definitely is a difference. By understanding this difference, you can improve your writing skills.

What is the Difference?
Farther applies to actual, physical distance. On the other hand, further applies to metaphorical distance.

Ex: I travel farther, and I study a subject further.

“Farther”
Farther refers to physical or geographical distance. Here are some examples of proper use of this word.

Ex: We are farther from El Paso than I thought.
Ex: She went farther away from her family than she had gone before.
Ex: My new apartment is farther from my office than my old apartment.

Memory Cue
Use farther if you can substitute the word with more miles.

“Further"
Further refers to time, quantity, or degree. In other words, further indicates a continuation or extension of anything else other than distance; the word relates to more abstract references. Further is another way of saying “additional.” Here are some examples of correct use of further.

Ex: Prices will likely drop further next year.
Ex: I don’t want to discuss this topic further.
Ex: I have to look further into the matter later.
Ex: The subject calls for further study.

Recommended Grammar Website of the Week
by David Felts
Along with our website, we recommend the following site: Fact Monster. Fact Monster has a list of about 30 pairs of commonly confused words, such as “lie” and “lay.” You might browse the list and see if there might be a pair of words you might need to review.

Visit Fact Monster at http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769309.html.

Test Your Knowledge
by David Felts
Test your knowledge by making any needed corrections to the following sentences.

1. The farther I look into the matter, the further I become confused.

2. Will you just go a little further down the road to the store?

3. My house is further away than her house.

4. Will you discuss the matter further with him?

Answers

1. The further I look into the matter, the further I become confused.

2. Will you just go a little farther down the road to the store?

3. My house is farther away than her house.

4. Will you discuss the matter further with him? (This use is correct.)

 

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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