Grammar Check: Farther vs. Further

Are you using the words “farther” and “further” correctly? The adverbial forms of both words mean “a greater distance,” but they are not interchangeable. 

How is each word used?

Farther refers to physical distance. Example: Bob has to commute farther to his new job than he did to his previous job.

Further refers to figurative or nonphysical distance. Example: He had no further comments.

Don’t forget to extend these definitions to their superlatives! Examples: It is the farthest Bob has ever commuted. It was the furthest thing from his mind.

Further (and furthermore) can also be used in place of “moreover.” Example: Furthermore, Bob regretted his decision.

So are you farther or further away? It depends what you want to convey. Did you move across country or are you feeling emotionally distant?

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Note:  The above refers to American English. In the UK it is common to use further when referring to physical distance.