Close in meaning

Farther vs. Further

Farther refers to physical distance you can measure. Further refers to figurative distance, degree or extent, or means more. Walk farther down the road; discuss the plan further. In American usage, further can also cover physical distance.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
farther	adverb	to or at a greater physical distance
further	adverb	to a greater degree or extent; more, or in addition
further	verb	to help something make progress or move forward

Farther

adverb: to or at a greater physical distance

The cabin is farther from town than I expected.
Grace can throw a ball farther than anyone on her team.

Further

adverb: to a greater degree or extent; more, or in addition

Let's talk about this further after lunch.
Prices rose further in March, and the shop raised its rates.

verb: to help something make progress or move forward

She took night classes to further her career.
The grant will further research on clean drinking water.

How to remember the difference

Farther has far in it, so use it for distances you could measure in miles. Further is for everything else: more time, more detail, more effort.

Good to know

AP style and many writers keep farther for physical distance. Further for physical distance is also standard, so a few miles further is not wrong. Farther should not replace further in figurative uses, though: write until further notice and further questions.

Spot the mistake

We will need ~~farther~~ further information before we can approve your loan.
Correct: We will need further information before we can approve your loan.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. Our hotel was two miles from the beach than the photos suggested.

2. The manager wants to discuss the proposal next week.