Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse writers. I have found the following to be among them:
FARTHER / FURTHER
During the past month (July 2017), I have kept track of misused words I’ve noticed in published novels and blogs by and/or for writers. Using further for farther unquestionably tops the list (as it has for the past couple of years since I’ve been paying special attention to such things). And so I thought it might be worthwhile to review the following comments made in my 7 September 2016 Know Your Words post:
Farther should have to do with distance in space, time, or divergence (farther down the road, farther back in time, farther from his mind) while further can act as an adverb (if we further continue this line of observation), an adjective (he received further education), or a verb (you further your chances of winning the lottery if you buy a ticket).
Note the references to farther and further in the following dialogue:
“Let’s discuss this further as we walk farther into the lab,” Tom said. “Time is of the essence, and the farther behind we get in our research, the less chance we have to further our careers at this institution.”
“And here I was thinking that there was nothing farther from your mind than work this weekend,” Susan replied. “I guess I’ll just have to spend a little time getting further acquainted with you if I want to stay a step farther ahead.”
REMEMBER: Farther contains the word far and relates to distance.
© 2016/2017 Ann Henry. All Rights Reserved.