Word Wise: Should I Use Further or Farther

Today's grammar-focused question is: Should I use further or farther? As writers, we want people to enjoy our books. Even though readers would not necessarily care whether you use further or farther, it might affect readability if used incorrectly. This is why I thought it is best to help you decide on which one to use.

Does "further" or "farther" tell you about distance?

There has been plenty of discussions about these two words. They are often regarded as equals, which can be used interchangeably. Yet there are a few posts I have come across in my research who can easily say how they differ. As always, it is best we know much before we come to a decision.

Further and Farther in UK English

It's well-known that US and UK English differs. There is no exception with the use of further and farther. The Oxford Dictionary has this to say:

Both words share the same roots. [T]here is no difference in meaning, and both are equally correct.

Further it also mentions that further is the "more common" choice. This can be a bit of an understatement in this regard, as many UK English native speakers say that is is rare to use farther and that it is an American word.

The Cambridge Dictionary feels the same, as mentions this:

There is no difference in meaning between them.

H.W. Fowler, a well-known lexicographer, mentioned in 1926 that further will be the popular choice and that farther will disappear from usage because of this. He might have been on to something. Modern dictionaries do not see a difference between these words, which allows us to use it as we please. But what about US English?

The US Version

Many American blogs on grammar do offer their help in differentiating between the two words. Thus some people do feel there is a difference. This difference is slight, but it is there.

Further

Further is used for abstract ideas. As stated on GrammarBook.com it can be used for:

Moreover; in addition; to a greater extent.

An example of further used in this way:

I can gain further experience by doing this course.

Farther

Farther, on the other hand, can be used for physical distances. An example of this is:

The grocery shop is farther away than anticipated.

As you can see, there is a difference. Which brings us to the post's final decision:

Should I Use Further or Farther?

In conclusion, we can hardly say one is right and one is wrong. Both these words exist and both get used. However, it is clear than one of these words get used more often than the other. Further is often used in any context, and is accepted by many. 

Yet there are those who hold on to the belief that there is a difference between them and they should not be used interchangeably. In this case, you should know who you are writing for and whether you might upset someone with your choice.

My choice is to stick to one of them throughout, namely further. Even though there is a clear difference, I feel two well-known and respected dictionaries back me up. I grew up using these dictionaries, as we use UK English. What is your choice? Let me know below!