further / farther

adverb / adjective/ˈfɜːrðər/ · /ˈfɑːrðər/ 🔊 listen

farther = measurable physical distance. further = figurative, meaning 'more' or 'to a greater extent'. Tip: farther contains the word far — think physical distance.

📖 Meanings

1farther = greater physical distance
"The station is farther than I thought." — (measurable distance)
2further = to a greater extent (figurative)
"We need to discuss this further." — (more, additional)
3further notice = additional information
"Until further notice, the office is closed." — (no date specified)

🔄 Commonly confused

fewer vs less →do vs make →affect vs effect →

💬 Memory tip

farther → contains FAR → physical distancefurther → figurative, 'additionally', 'to a greater degree'further education (additional schooling)
❓ "I can't walk any ___." (physical distance)