Further and Farther
Here is another set of commonly confused words: further and farther. Is it farther down the road or further? Do you have to read further in the novel or farther?
FARTHER denotes physical advancement in distance.
FURTHER denotes advancement to a greater degree--as in time.
Examples:
We should travel a bit farther down the road.
(This is physical distance traveled)
You are required to read further in the novel.
(This is to a greater degree than where you are now)
(This is physical distance traveled)
You are required to read further in the novel.
(This is to a greater degree than where you are now)
Link to Grammar Girl. Click podcast button to listen to Grammar girl on FURTHER and FARTHER. You may listen, read, or do both together.
Last modified: Friday, 1 March 2013, 1:28 PM