“Further” vs. “farther”: What’s the difference?

What does “farther” mean?

“Farther,” derived from the word “far,” is an adverb that means “at or to a greater distance.” To remember the definition of “farther,” think of the word as being similar to “far away.” While “further” sounds similar, it doesn’t contain the word “far,” which refers to something’s distance.

What does “further” mean?

Like “farther,” the word “further” can be used to mean “more distant.” However, most American English speakers use “farther” to describe physical distances and “further” for figurative distances. The word “further” can also be used in other ways that “farther” can’t be, like as a verb or an adjective.

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When used as a verb, “further” means to move forward or promote. For example, a businessman might want to “further” his own interests. As an adjective, the word means more or additional, like “further” consequences. While “further” can technically be used as an adverb to describe physical distances, it’s more commonly used figuratively.

“Further” vs. “farther” examples

Although there are more ways to use the word “further,” you’ll likely use “farther” just as often. Learn how to use these words correctly in a sentence:

• The student wanted to further her education by enrolling in an extra course.
• Samantha walked farther than she had meant to.
• He went further in his career than his colleagues ever imagined.

Is it “further along” or “farther along”?

When using common phrases in your writing, you might trip up on “farther” vs. “further.” Luckily, once you know the definitions of these two words, you’ll be able to apply them to various phrases.

To indicate that something isn’t accurate, you might say it “couldn’t be further from the truth.” Since the phrase refers to a figurative distance, use “further.” Something in the distance would be “farther away” than what you’re holding in your hand—you might even consider it “far away.” When choosing between “further along” and “farther along,” stick with “further,” as the phrase doesn’t describe literal distance.

Tips for remembering “further” vs. “farther”

Because “farther” and “further” look similar, you might mix them up in your writing. Although you can use these two words as an adverb to mean “at a distance,” you can’t always use the words interchangeably. To remember the difference between “further” vs. “farther,” try using a mnemonic device. “Farther” should only be used as an adverb, while “further” can also be used as a verb or an adjective. To remember this difference, associate the “a” in “farther” with the “a” in “adjective.”

Correct spelling and grammar make the difference between unprofessional writing and sentences that shine. Once you learn how to avoid the most common grammatical errors, you’ll feel confident in your writing, whether starting a research paper or sending an email to your colleagues.