So is it farther or further?  If you’re confused over which word to use then you’re not alone.  Just the one-letter difference between the two words definitely adds to the confusion.  Plus both words refer to distance in some sort of way.

Experts say that the word ‘farther’ is used when you are referring to physical or actual distance.  Farther also has the word ‘far’ in it which obviously is being used to refer to physical distance.

e.g., This bus stop is farther from my house than yours.

The word  ‘further’ on the other hand should be used when referring to abstract or figurative distances.

e.g., If you walk any further, you will end up nowhere.

Many will say, however, that farther and further can be used interchangeably, especially when the distinction is quite ambiguous.  The choice is really up to you.  My only solution to it is that if it sounds awkward, I’d go with the less awkward-sounding sentence.

No related posts.