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.
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.
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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
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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