'farther' and 'further'

[MColeman]

Someone told me yesterday these two words may be used interchangeably.

I disagree.

'Farther' should be used to mean physical distance.

'Further' should be used as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'as a result'.

What are your opinions?

 

[Dimandja]

This link agrees with you:

http://www.lessontutor.com/eesfarther.html

This is one does not:

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=further

 

[sleipnir214]

MColeman:
I was taught as you use the words. But as Dimandja's links point out, the rule is not so clear-cut.

This from the YourDictionary.com entry for "farther":

[b][i]Usage Note:[/i][/b] Since the Middle English period many writers have used [i]farther[/i] and [i]further[/i] interchangeably. According to a relatively recent rule, however, [i]farther[/i] should be reserved for physical distance and [i]further[/i] for nonphysical, metaphorical advancement. Thus 74 percent of the Usage Panel prefers [i]farther[/i] in the sentence [i][COLOR=#226699]If you are planning to drive any farther than Ukiah, you'd better carry chains[/color][/i], and 64 percent prefers [i]further[/i] in the sentence [i][COLOR=#226699]We won't be able to answer these questions until we are further along in our research[/color][/i]. In many cases, however, the distinction is not easy to draw. If we speak of [i][COLOR=#226699]a statement that is far from the truth[/color][/i], for example, we should also allow the use of [i]farther[/i] in a sentence such as [i][COLOR=#226699]Nothing could be farther from the truth[/color][/i]. But [i][COLOR=#226699]Nothing could be further from the truth[/color][/i] is so well established as to seem a fixed expression.

The distinction is further clouded by the fact that further is the older of the two words in English.


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TANSTAAFL!!

 

[medic]

I only use farther when comparing distances.

 

[ESquared]

Farthermore, if I had a farthing (furthing?) for every time I said f_rther, I'd have enough to buy a postage stamp!

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