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Riglos Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

farther / further

Hi people!

I'd like to know what's the reason for "Are there any further questions"? being correct, and the following version, incorrect: "Are there any farther* questions?" If both words are accepted as the comparatives of "far", why is the last collocation not accepted?

Thanks a lot!

Mara.
  

Top answer

When you are not speaking of literal distance "further" is always the form to use. With literal distance "farther" is preferred, but "further" is accepted by a minority of speakers. The questions are not literally farther away from anyone or anything, so this is clearly the figurative use, and only "further" will do.

— CalifJim

  • When you are not speaking of literal distance "further" is always the form to use.
  • With literal distance "farther" is preferred, but "further" is accepted by a minority of speakers.
  • The questions are not literally farther away from anyone or anything, so this is clearly the figurative use, and only "further" will do.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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When you are not speaking of literal distance "further" is always the form to use.
With literal distance "farther" is preferred, but "further" is accepted by a minority of speakers.

The questions are not literally farther away from anyone or anything, so this is clearly the figurative use, and only "further" will do.
CJ
0

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