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I know I learned the difference between the usage of farther and further in school, but I can never remember where each one should be used. Can someone help me out here?

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I would suggest never using "futher" – Nerdling Oct 27 '10 at 2:52
@Nerdling Noted, and fixed. :-) – Chris Dwyer Oct 27 '10 at 4:05

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Farther is used for distance. Further is used for all other purposes.

Examples:

  • I ran farther than he did.
  • After giving him the gift, I wished to further express my gratitude by hugging him.
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Yes, although further can be used for both. To my ears, at least, farther sounds a little old-fashioned. – Steve Melnikoff Oct 27 '10 at 9:29
@Steve: I agree – Colin Fine Oct 27 '10 at 11:57
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What about metaphorical distance? As in "I was told to walk a mile in his shoes, but I walked [farther/further]". How about "'Did you get very far?' 'Yes, even [farther/further] than I expected to.'] – Ray Jun 29 '11 at 0:45
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What about "distance" in time? "Jefferson's presidency was farther/further in the past than Madison's?" – Greg Mattes Sep 28 '12 at 2:59
Another source of confusion here is that British English typically allows "further" to be used for both physical distances and figurative distances. So a Briton might say, "I hiked further than he did," and also, "The heat further exacerbated my thirst." In strict American usage, this would be incorrect, but it would sound fine to the British ear. So if you find discrepancies, consider the source (American or British). – Dan Hauer Oct 15 '12 at 17:00

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