Jan 17 2008
Further or Farther?
Have you ever been writing along with fluid lucidity, the words virtually spilling onto the page, when suddenly you come to a screeching halt because you’re not sure whether you should use “further” or “farther”?
The difference between “farther” and “further” is just one little vowel. “No big deal,” you may be thinking. (Really? Tell that to words like “shut,” “hull” and “batch.”)
But it is a big deal! And I’ll tell you why: It’s because running into a stupid little rule you don’t know when you’re in the flow of writing is like running into a glass door you don’t think is there when you’re sprinting out to a swimming pool. Not only is it embarrassing, but it stops your forward momentum.
There is another reason why you should be very careful not to break the rules of writing. You probably don’t know this, but the world is filled with English teachers who spend their spare moments scouring printed materials for mistakes. When they find slip-ups, they perform ritualistic curses against the writers who are responsible. This is a little-known fact, but I happen to know it’s true. Have you ever wondered why so many writers end up as drunks, lunatics and suicides? Now you know.
Hopefully, you are now motivated to learn the proper use of “further” and “farther”….
- “Farther” refers to an actual physical distance.
- “Further” refers to an extension of time or a degree. It means “to a greater extent or degree.”
Based on those simple definitions, fill in the following sentences with either “further” or “farther.”
He hiked _______ into the desert.
She promised to look _______ into the dispute.
After playing the Ouija board night after night, Marcus fell _______ into madness.
Charlie’s farm is two miles down the road. Mac’s farm is a mile _______.
I can’t talk now, but I’d like to discuss your idea _______ tomorrow.
The answers? You should have used “further” for sentences 2, 3 and 5, and “farther” for sentences 1 and 4.
Here are a few more examples:
- The hike to camp was farther (in physical distance) than we expected.
- Let’s talk about this further (to a greater extent or degree) when we go home.
- His house is eight miles farther (in physical distance) down the road than mine.
- I’m going to investigate this matter further (to a greater extent or degree).
An easy way to remember this is to think of the sentence, “The town is far away.” Obviously, “far” refers to physical distance in that sentence. So simply equate “far” with “farther” and you’ll own this rule for life! Compared to what I call the “well/good conundrum” and other much stickier issues in the English language, this is a relative no-brainer. So master it. Never again let it slow down your writing, embarrass you or draw curses down on your head.
Special Note: Send Me Your Problems!
Some of you have asked if I could help you with specific writing issues. My answer is yes. Send me a comment with a piece of text you have written (nothing too long, please) and tell me what has you stumped or doesn’t seem right. I’ll do my best to get to the bottom of it and we’ll invite others to comment with their ideas or suggestions. Let’s make this a valuable, interactive learning experience. To contact me, click here.
