Difference Between Farther and Further

The word farther is an adverb form of far, which is used to express the distance between two entities or objects by comparing them. Farther is often contrasted with the word further when we talk of spatial distance. Further, is commonly used to denote distance in a non-literal sense, i.e. when it is only imaginable but not measurable. It may also mean, additional or more. Let’s take a look at the example given below to understand them better:

The place is farther than we thought it would be, so I can’t go there any further.

These two words can be used interchangeably and synonymously in sentences which confuses people easily, but there exists a fine line of difference between farther and further, which you can understand with this article.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Farther	Further
Meaning	The word 'farther' is used to indicate more distant, or longer in terms of distance which is measurable.	'Further' indicates imaginative distance, i.e. it mainly deals with the degree to which something is away or apart from the other.
Pronunciation	ˈfɑː.ðər	ˈfɜː.ðər
Distance	Actual or figurative distance	Symbolic distance
Part of speech	Adjective or Adverb	Verb, Adjective and Adverb
Examples	Due to dense fog, we are not able to see farther than 30 meters.	They asked me to wait, till further notified.
	Her house is farther than mine.	I think we need to go further, to reach the exact location.
	Actual turnover of the company, is farther than anticipated.	For further details you can call on the same number.

Definition of Farther

Farther is a comparative form of the adverb ‘far’, which implies to, or at a considerable distance. It is used to express the degree to which an object is away from another object, in actual units of measurement. It may also be used for talking about figurative distance. Let us now discuss the usage of the word ‘farther’:

To mean a longer distance:
- You can go farther with the motorcycle.
- The garden is farther than 10 kilometres than our home.
- You can choose any place to visit, which is not farther from Jaipur.
To refer to great in degree or extent:
- The farther I go, the closer I will reach to the hotel.
- Her result is farther than we expected.

Definition of Further

Further is an abstract concept which is used in sentences to express imaginative distance, to talk about the extent to which one thing is far away from the another. In short, when there is no idea of the distance, both in terms of units and time, we use ‘further’.

Further, is primarily used in metaphorical situations. It can also be used to mean moreover, or in addition to. Now, let’s look at the applications of ‘further’:

Being an adverb, it is used to express to a greater extent or distance or at a more progressive stage:
- As you go further towards north-east, you can see the change in the culture.
- Last year, GDP was 5%, which is expected to rise further this year.
- Can you allow me to work on this project further?
Being an adjective, it means more or additional:
- For further details, you can comment on below.
- Further delay on the matter of workmen compensation, can cause a great loss to the company.
Being a verb, it refers to assist in the development, promotion of something or moving forward:
- She moved to Delhi, to further her skills.
- The company launched a new product in the market, to further the growth.
It may also mean continuity in doing or performing something:
- Soumya studied further, even after her marriage.

Key Differences Between Farther and Further

The difference between farther and further can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

The word farther is used to make a comparison in terms of measurable distance between two entities. It may also be used to mean to a greater degree or extent. On the contrary, the word further is used in a metaphorical context, i.e. it refers to the imaginative distance, which cannot be easily measured or observed. It also implies additional or more.
The word farther talks about actual or figurative distance, that we can measure in meters or kilometres respectively. On the other hand, the word further is used to discuss symbolic distance only which indicates the degree.
Both father and further can be used as adverb and adjective, but further can also be used as a verb to mean assist in progress or development.

Examples

Farther

The school is farther than the college from this city.
The venue is farther than we imagined.
The explanations of the criminal are farther than the reality.

Further

Paul needs a lot of money to study further.
As her flight was already two hours late, she left for the office, without further delay.
Can we talk further on the issue?

How to remember the difference

Nowadays, the word further is more commonly used than the farther. One simple trick to use the words farther and further is that when you can actually measure or know the distance amidst two entities, use farther, or otherwise you can use further. In other words, when the actual distance is not mentioned or is implied, you can use further. It can also be used to indicate additional or moreover.