'Farther' vs 'Further': What's the Difference?

‘Farther’ and ‘further’ are very similar in spelling, but what’s the difference between these words? We’ll answer that in this article, plus teach you how to use both words in a sentence correctly.

Need a quick answer?

Here it is:

• ‘Farther’ is an adverb and is only used when referring to distance or the degree or extent of something.
• ‘Further’ is also an adverb and has the same definition as ‘farther,’ but it also includes an additional definition – in addition (moreover or more).

These words might work when used interchangeably since they share the same definition a lot of the time. But be careful when doing so to be sure your sentence is grammatical.

 What is the Difference Between ‘Further’ and ‘Farther’?

 The difference between these two words, as you’ve just learned, is that:

• The former means in addition (more or moreover) or to help forward (promote).
• The latter is only used when referring to distance or the degree or extent of something.
• They both share the definition ‘to a greater degree or extent.’
• You might be able to use the words interchangeably only if you’re not referring to distance.

If you find it hard to remember the difference, just think about the song from Disney’s Moana, How Far I’ll Go.

• Far = Farther = relates to distance

‘Farther’ vs. ‘Further’ – Difference, Definition & Examples 

Are you unsure of how to use each word correctly?

Let’s look at some useful tips.

• While the words have been used interchangeably throughout most of their history, they’re starting to be seen as two different words.

Since they’re both adverbs and people use them interchangeably when spatial, temporal, or metaphorical distance is involved, ‘further’ is the only one used when there’s no distance involved.

‘Further’ is also used as a sentence modifier.

For example:

• ‘Further, the workers were a lot more productive once they got their bonuses.’

But you cannot use ‘farther’ as a sentence modifier.

‘Farther’ seems to be used more when referring to distance, while ‘further’ is used more in reference to addition.

For example:

• ‘She needed no further invitation. His smile was enough.’

Definition of ‘Farther’: What Does ‘Farther’ Mean?

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘farther’ is:

• At or to a greater distance or more advanced point.

It could also mean:

• To a greater degree or extent
• More distance (remoter)
• Further

Synonyms of the word include:

• Beyond
• Yonder
• Further
• Yon
• Added
• Else
• Additional
• Another
• Further
• Fresh
• More
• Other

Definition of ‘Further’: What Does ‘Further’ Mean?

The same dictionary defines ‘further’ as:

• Farther

It also means:

• To a greater degree or extent
• In addition (moreover)
• Farther
• Going or extending beyond (additional)
• To help forward (promote)

Synonyms of the word include:

• Beyond
• Advance
• Forward
• Nourish
• Promote
• Cultivate
• Foster
• Nurse
• Encourage
• Incubate
• Nurture

Phrases Containing ‘Further’

You might see phrases in the English language that contains the word ‘further.’

They include:

• Further education
• Nothing (further) to do with
• Go no further
• Until further notice
• Nothing could be further from the truth
• Nothing could be further from [my] mind
• Upon further review
• Without further ado
• Further, do

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Farther’ and ‘Further’

Are you unsure of how to pronounce these words?

Here’s a short guide.

To pronounce ‘farther’ correctly, here’s the phonetic spelling:

fAHr-thUHr

To pronounce ‘further’ correctly, here’s the phonetic spelling:

fUHrthUHr

How to Use ‘Farther’ and ‘Further’ in a Sentence

Now that we know what both words mean and how to pronounce them, let’s take a look at some examples of how to use them in a sentence.

Farther

• Can you throw this frisbee farther than me? Let’s go outside and toss it around to find out. I bet you $10 I can throw it farther than you.
• You’re not going to get any farther than California with that amount of money. Do you need to borrow some? We were saving for a new car, but I know you really need it.
• Which is farther from us? Texas or Oklahoma? I’m considering taking a new job, but I don’t want to move too far away from my family, in case they need me. I need to find a place that’s a hop, skip, and a jump away.
• I haven’t been to my father’s house in a long time. It’s farther than I remember, but I have to make the trip to see if he’s okay.
• How much farther do we have to go until the next rest stop? I have to use the restroom, and I’d also like to freshen up and get something to eat.
• How can you tell me Antarctica isn’t farther than Alaska? We should look it up to see who’s right, but I’m pretty sure I’m right.

Further

• I want to further my studies at UCLA this summer. I’m going to be taking a few classes on Creative Writing. I hope I’m not the oldest one in the class.
• I don’t want to discuss this with you right now. Furthermore, this really isn’t the time or the place. Let’s set up a time to discuss this properly.
• I can’t eat anything further, or I’ll explode, but this was the best food I’ve had in a very long time, so I’m very appreciative.
• We can’t go further than that sign. The road seems to be closed ahead. We’ll have to find an alternative route.
• I had to explain further to my teacher why I wasn’t in my third-period class, but I’m sure she thought I was lying. I don’t know how to convince her I’m telling the truth.
• I want nothing further to do with Jaime after what he did to me last year. Tell him not to call me or contact me because I don’t want to talk to him.

Final Thoughts on ‘Farther’ and ‘Further’

To recap, we learned the following:

• ‘Farther’ is an adverb and is only used when referring to distance or the degree or extent of something.
• ‘Further’ is also an adverb and has the same definition as ‘farther,’ but it also includes an additional definition – in addition (moreover or more).

Remember, these words might work when used interchangeably since they share the same definition a lot of the time. But be careful when doing so to be sure your sentence is grammatical.

If you ever get stuck on anything, feel free to come back to review what you learned. We’ve also got a whole library of content on other confusing words you might see as you’re learning the language. Go check it out anytime – it could be helpful on your journey to learning English.