Diction (or word choice) can a provide constant source of irritation for inexperienced writers. The only way to overcome that irritation is to acquire the comfort that comes with familiarity. Know when to use which words.
Farther and further provides a great example. Farther refers to distance. Further refers to all other cases, especially extent or degree.
Consider the example sentence in the graphic above. Confusion on the writer’s part is understandable in this instance. After all, corrosion could be measured in terms of the length of missing material. However, the writer of this sentence appears to use corrosion in terms of extent. Thus, the sentence should be revised as follows:
Farther and further provides a great example. Farther refers to distance. Further refers to all other cases, especially extent or degree.
Consider the example sentence in the graphic above. Confusion on the writer’s part is understandable in this instance. After all, corrosion could be measured in terms of the length of missing material. However, the writer of this sentence appears to use corrosion in terms of extent. Thus, the sentence should be revised as follows:
Weld #4 corroded further than any other weld in the piece.
If the writer really wanted to use farther, a rewriting of the sentence to express corrosion in terms of distance or length is necessary. Here’s one possibility:
The corrosion adjacent to Weld #4 advanced farther than heat affected zone.
The two words are spelled almost the same and, said quickly enough, can sound quite identical. Even the meanings are somewhat similar. Yet the difference in definition is really the key to knowing which word is most appropriate. Look at what the underlying reference is. If the reference is length or distance, use farther. If the reference is anything else, especially extent or degree, use further.
I have encoded that distinction into a mnemonic device that helps me to remember which word is most appropriate. Go further with all but distance. Feel free to use it if it helps you. Or find something else that works for you. Whatever that something is, using the proper word will improve your writing. And better writing better represents both you and the brands associated with you.
I have encoded that distinction into a mnemonic device that helps me to remember which word is most appropriate. Go further with all but distance. Feel free to use it if it helps you. Or find something else that works for you. Whatever that something is, using the proper word will improve your writing. And better writing better represents both you and the brands associated with you.
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