Sheila asks: OK, I’m glad you’re OCD and will check on these things because this has been bothering me this week– further vs. farther?
What’s the rule, chica?
According to sparknotes.com:
Farther is used with physical distance.
ex. The farther we drive, the more I long
to stretch my legs.
to stretch my legs.
Further is used with abstract distance
or depth.
or depth.
ex. Elvira decided to investigate the matter
further.
further.
Tip according to Grammar Girl: It’s easy to remember because farther has the word far in it, and far obviously relates to physical distance.
So there you have it!
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my gosh! I just struggled with this today as I was working on a work report! I’ll never forget it now!
Ha! I love it! Thanks for the tip
You could have just asked me. I am grammar girl too, you know.
Are you going to make this a regular feature? I’d love it!
I like that tip from the Grammar Girl. So easy to remember!
I’m so glad that I was an English major . . . obviously my education served me well seeing that I didn’t know the answer to this! Thanks for clearing it up for me, and thanks to Grammar Girl for the tip, now I’ll never forget.
What a great idea these grammar lessons have been. Thanks so much
Cool site, thank you!!
What really sucks is I’m almost trying to learn my own language again while I try to learn French in college. Grammar is not my strong suit. La sigh.
PS One that bugs me from time to time is: effect and affect.
Well I learned something today!
Thanks Jo-Lynne! I haven’t checked in for awhile, so I had to scroll back here to get the answer!
i *heart* grammar girl. (and need to read her regularly!)