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Farther vs. Further

Have you wondered whether there is a right way and a wrong way to use the words farther and further? The different uses of the two words can be subtle. Let’s have a closer look.

Farther: Refers to physical distance only.

Examples:
We had to walk farther than the map indicated.

Reno is farther from San Francisco than from Sacramento.

Further:
1. Moreover; in addition; to a greater extent.

Examples:
We need to discuss this further.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

2. May be used for physical distance although farther is preferred.

Example:
We had to drive further.

3. To help forward, advance, or promote a work, undertaking, cause, etc.

Example:
Elisa had more desire to further her own interests than to further the mission of the organization.

Pop Quiz

Choose the correct word in each sentence. Scroll down to view answers.

1. The mountain peak was farther/further away than she expected.

2. Farther/Further negotiations should help the two sides reach an agreement.

3. I agree with the addition to the project as long as there are no farther/further delays.

4. I refuse to walk one step farther/further.

5. The purpose of the United Nations is to farther/further the cause of world peace.

Pop Quiz Answers

1. The mountain peak was farther away than she expected. -OR- The mountain peak was further away than she expected. (Either farther or further is correct but farther is preferred.)

2. Further negotiations should help the two sides reach an agreement.

3. I agree with the addition to the project as long as there are no further delays.

4. I refuse to walk one step farther. -OR- I refuse to walk one step further. (Either farther or further is correct but farther is preferred.)

5. The purpose of the United Nations is to further the cause of world peace.

 

 

Posted on Friday, July 18th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

Editing Tip

Let’s visit the terms editing, proofreading, and formatting.

  • Focus on editing first, checking the content for cohesiveness, clarity, paragraph structure, and overall structure.
  • When you’re satisfied with the content, focus on proofreading, looking for consistency in formatting, margins, text styles, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Lastly, focus on formatting, ensuring consistency in the document’s appearance.
  • Within each stage of review, plan on multiple levels of review.
  •  Don’t look for everything at once; pick a task. Make a list of what you know are your weaknesses. Focus on each of those areas, one at a time.
  •  Read out loud, slowly, and listen to how the words sound together.
  • Have someone else read your document. After rereading your own work several times, it is embedded in your mind. Your brain goes on autopilot causing your eyes to just skim over what it’s seeing yet again.

A few more pointers:

  • Start at the very top of the document; don’t overlook a single element. Some of the most common mistakes are in headings, addresses, salutations, etc.
  • Work in a quiet place where you’ll have no distractions or interruptions. Trying to “pick up where you left off” after an interruption can set you back as you try to regain your focus.

By Linda Meehan, Editor, WebWords.biz

Posted on Friday, July 18th, 2008 at 10:35 am

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