FARTHER vs FURTHER – Empower Your English | Use This Easy Chart!

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Learn the difference between farther vs further

This video summarizes some simple rules regarding the use of FARTHER vs FURTHER. Avoid making errors in your speech and writing by examining the illustrated sentence examples.

Here is a transcript of the video: “FARTHER vs FURTHER – What’s the Difference?”

SlideS 2-7:
Because FURTHER and FARTHER have similar meanings, there has been much debate and argument over how to use these words.
In this video we hope to cut through the confusion, and clearly explain how to use these words in modern English, reflecting they way they are now commonly used.

Slide 8:
First, a quick note about pronunciation:
FURTHER – 1st syllable – UR sound
FARTHER – 1st syllable – ARE sound (slightly elongate the ‘ah’ sound)

Slide 9:
FURTHER & FARTHER as adjectives:

Some native speakers differentiate the two words in this way:

FARTHER: distance, either literal or figurative
FURTHER: more, something additional

In modern English and common usage however, FURTHER and FARTHER are interchangeable. Both are used to refer to distance, or extent.

FURTHER can also mean “more, something additional”.
(FARTHER is rarely used this way)

Slide 10:
Here’s a helpful chart to explain clearly:

Some native English speakers use FURTHER only to refer to something more or additional, not to describe distance.
They use FARTHER to refer to distance, whether that’s a physical or figurative distance.

But in common daily usage, perhaps the majority of native English speakers now use either of these words, further or farther to refer to distance.
However, they only use further to refer to something more or additional.

Let’s look at some illustrated sentence examples and you will get the idea . . .

Slide 11:
In the picture we see a woman walking on a country road.

The sentence reads: The walk to the next village was much farther/further than she expected.

Here we are referring to physical distance, so both words can be used. Next,

Slide 12:
We see a man with a serious look on his face.

The sentence reads: Some people thought he was too serious and rarely smiled, but actually, nothing could be farther/further from the truth. He had a great sense of humour.

Here again, both words can be used, this time referring to distance in a figurative way.

Next,

Slide 13:
The picture shows a business meeting in progress.

The sentence reads: He told his colleague: “I suggest we do further research before making a final decision.”

Now the word further is used, meaning, more, additional. In other words “I suggest we do more, or additional research”.

Slide 14:
By the way, a quick reminder,
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Slide 15:
Now here is another word, closely related, FURTHERMORE.

Definition: In addition, moreover

It is often used as the first word in a sentence. Here’s an example:

Slide 16:
The picture shows a worker drying incense sticks in Vietnam.

The sentence reads: Vietnam is popular with travellers for its vibrant culture, amazing scenery, and friendly people. Furthermore, it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia.

Here furthermore is a synonym for additionally, or moreover.

Now here is something else that’s interesting about the word FURTHER.

Slide 17:
Further can be used as a verb.

Definition: To advance or help the progress of, to promote

Here’s an example:

Slide 18:
The picture shows a student studying at her laptop computer.

The sentence reads: To further her career, she studied hard for a master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition.

So here FURTHER is used as a verb to explain that the student is studying for a master’s degree in order to advance her career.

Slide 19-23:
Well we’ve covered a lot of information. Let’s summarize the main points.

To summarize:

1. Some native speakers use FARTHER to describe “distance” and FURTHER to indicate something “more, in addition”.
2. Now, in common English usage, FARTHER and FURTHER are used interchangeably to describe distance, both physical and figurative.
3. FURTHER is also used to indicate something “more, in addition”.
4. FURTHERMORE is often used to start a sentence as a synonym of “Additionally” or “Moreover”.
5. FURTHER is used as a verb, meaning “to advance or help the progress of something, to promote”.

Slide 24:
do you want to make sure you understand the use of FURTHER and FARTHER clearly? Take a minute to do this test . . . Just fill in the blank.

Slide 25:
He told his colleague: “I suggest we do __ research before making a final decision.”

Slide 26:
Answer: FURTHER

Slide 27:
Some people thought he was too serious and rarely smiled, but actually, nothing could be __ from the truth. He had a great sense of humour.

Slide 28:
Answer: FURTHER or FARTHER

Slide 29:
Vietnam is popular with travellers for its vibrant culture, amazing scenery, and friendly people. __, it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia.

Slide 30:
Answer: FURTHERMORE

Slide 31:
To __ her career,she studied hard for a master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition.

Slide 32:
Answer: FURTHER

Slide 33:
The walk to the next village was much __ than she expected.

Slide 34:
Answer: FURTHER or FARTHER

Slide 35:
That’s it. Well done. Hopefully now you will never be confused by FURTHER or FARTHER again, and you can confidently use them in the correct way depending on the context.

Slide 36:
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Slide 37:
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If you are interested in easily confused words like farther vs further, here are two more words to master:
IF vs WHETHER – How to Use Correctly

Image Credits

All images are Royalty Free. The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

Slide 12 – hiking
Royalty Free
Photo by diarypow at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/backpacking-travel-wandering-hiking-4400872/

Slide 13 – serious facial expression
Royalty Free
Photo by Sammy-Sander at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/mysterious-face-man-handsome-black-4289694/

Slide 14 – office meeting
Royalty Free
Photo by StartupStockPhotos at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/startup-start-up-people-593341/

Slide 15 – Vietnam
Royalty Free
Photo by xuanduongvan87 at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/incense-sticks-drying-hung-yen-6537298/

Slide 17 – student
Royalty Free
Photo by JESHOOTS-com at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/laptop-woman-education-study-young-3087585/

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