Farther vs. Further

Do we go farther or further? The two words are very close, but there is one small difference.

Real distance: both are possible

When you talk about real distance (how far you walk, drive or travel), you can use farther or further. Farther is more common in American English, further in British English.

• The gas station is farther down the road.
• He ran farther than anyone else.
• The station was further than I thought.

Other meanings: only further

When it is not about real distance, use only further. It can mean “more”, “extra” or “to a higher level”.

• Let’s discuss this further in tomorrow’s meeting.
• He wants to further his career in finance.
• The police need further information.

• ❌ We need farther information.
• ✅ We need further information.