Which should you say: “The airport is five miles farther away” or “five miles further”? Well, “further” is the correct choice...if the question was “how fur is it.” And, yes, you may hear that question in Texas. But for the rest of us, the correct answer is “farther.” Why? Farther is a distance that can be measured. Further is a continuation of time or degree. Therefore, “We will discuss this further,” or “Without further delay” is desirable. But “The airport is five miles farther” (since you can measure the distance) is the better choice.

Want to learn more? Consider my two writing seminars: Business Writing in Plain English and Goof-Proof Grammar.

Read all entries in The Written Word
Posted Friday, January 11, 2008