Answer: What is the difference between 'farther' and 'further'?

[momebie.livejournal.com]

With examples from Stargate, Harry Potter, and Cowboy Bebop.

Question: What is the difference between 'farther' and 'further'?


Merriam Webster lists the two words like this:
Farther: (1) at a greater distance or more advanced point (2) to a greater degree or extent
Further: (1) Farther (2) in addition (3) to a greater degree or extent

Go the Distance

While it used to be accepted that these two words could be used interchangeably, the current rule of thumb for farther vs. further is that 'farther' is to be used when referring to physical distance, and 'further' is to be used when referring to a metaphorical distance or a change in time or degree. For example:


He cups Sheppard's foot, sliding his hand up the ankle, rubbing the calf, giving the distinct impression that he'd like to slide his hand farther. (Commiseration by theemdash)

In this instance, the author has correctly used 'farther' to indicate the physical distance that Daniel would like to move his hand up Sheppard's leg.


"You may leave," he told the Dementors. "Go back to Azkaban and await further instructions. Harm no one." One by one, they bowed and left. (Da Coda al Capo by greenspine)

For this situation, 'further' is the correct term to use because Harry is referring to an additional set of instructions which are not quantifiable by distance.


Because of the common confusion of 'farther' and 'further', some of people like to differentiate them in their speech by using 'furthermore' in place of the more common 'further', as you can see in this exasperated statement from Remus:

“And furthermore you...You can get us down?”

In this case Remus is trying to add to the grievances he can hold against Sirius.

Changing Partners

Interestingly enough, etymonline.com states that “there is no historical basis for the notion that farther is of a physical distance and further of degree or quality”.

It is possible, in instances where distance is involved, to use the two words interchangeably and still be grammatically correct. In these examples, Gren is concerned about his proximity to his fellow soldier's terrible singing:

He just wished that this particular one would do it in a quieter manner, farther away from his perfect pitch ears.

He just wished that this particular one would do it in a quieter manner, further away from his perfect pitch ears.


This does not work the other way around, as seen in this example from In the Stars by theemdash:

I clutch his face and silence any further thoughts about the stars.

I clutch his face and silence any farther thoughts about the stars.

Just Remember!

It used to be common for the two words to be used interchangeably, but current grammar mavens have been moving away from that trend. Just follow the quick and dirty rule that 'farther' is to be used for distance, and 'further' is to be used for more metaphorical additions, and you'll satisfy almost everyone.


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Note: All fic examples which are not mine are used with full permission from the authors in question, and are not intended as mockery or infringement.

Comments

[lmichelle599.livejournal.com]

I still get confused with these two words. I've got The Elements of Style, but it seems I'm looking it up every time.

[sg-betty.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That helps. I think my confusion stemmed from seeing them used interchangably. It's good to know there's a rule of thumb to follow.