Differences between Farther and Further
Farther vs. Further
The words farther and further are comparative forms of far and are often used interchangeably to mean a greater distance.[1][2] Historically, the two words have been used without distinction for centuries.[3][4] However, a divergence in usage has become more common, particularly in American English, where many style guides recommend a distinction between the two.[5][4] This distinction holds that farther relates to literal, physical distance, while further is used for figurative or non-physical distances.
The rule suggested by many American style guides, including the Associated Press Stylebook, is to use farther for physical distance and further for an extension of time or degree.[4] For example, one would walk farther down the road but look further into a topic. The Chicago Manual of Style notes this as a traditional distinction.[4] Despite these guidelines, the words continue to be used interchangeably in many contexts, and some sources state that further is acceptable for all contexts, including physical distance, especially in British English.[4]
Only further can be used as a verb, meaning "to advance" or "to promote" (e.g., "to further one's career").[5][3] Additionally, further can be used as an adjective to mean "additional" (e.g., "no further questions") or as an adverb to mean "moreover."[1] Farther cannot be used in these senses.[5][4]
Comparison Table
| Category | Farther | Further |
|---|---|---|
| At or to a greater physical distance. | At or to a greater figurative distance; to a greater degree or extent.[3] | ||
| Preferred in American English for measurable distances (e.g., "ten miles farther").[5] | Often used for physical distance, especially in British English (e.g., "ten miles further"). | ||
| Sometimes used, but less common and not recommended by most style guides.[2] | Standard usage for non-physical distance (e.g., "nothing could be further from the truth"). | ||
| Refers to a more distant point (e.g., "the farther shore").[1] | Can mean "additional" or "more" (e.g., "further information").[5] | ||
| To a greater distance (e.g., "he ran farther"). | Can mean "in addition" or "moreover" (e.g., "Further, the study showed...").[3][2] | ||
| Not used as a verb.[5][3] | Means "to advance," "aid," or "promote" (e.g., "to further a cause"). | ||
| Variation of further, developed later. | Historically used interchangeably with farther for all types of distance.[5] |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "cambridge.org". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "merriam-webster.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "dictionary.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "latimes.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "grammarly.com". Retrieved January 12, 2026.
