Farther vs Further
What's the difference?
These are almost interchangeable — but there's a simple guideline that native speakers tend to follow.
Quick answer
Use "farther" for physical distance (drove farther) and "further" for figurative distance or "additional" (further information). When in doubt, "further" works for both.
Compared side by side
(adverb/adjective) at or to a greater physical distance.
- “We drove farther than we planned.”
- “The shop is farther down the road.”
(adverb/adjective) additional, or to a greater figurative degree.
- “I have nothing further to add.”
- “Let's discuss this further.”
How to remember it
"farther" has "far" in it — think physical distance. "further" covers extra, additional, or figurative uses.
Frequently asked
Can I always use "further"?
Pretty much — "further" is accepted for both physical and figurative distance, so it's the safe choice when you're unsure. "Farther," though, is only for physical distance.
Which one for "more information"?
"Further" — as in "for further information." Here it means additional, not physical distance, so "farther information" would be wrong.