FATHER vs FARTHER vs FURTHER: top tips to help you remember the difference

The words FATHER, FARTHER and FURTHER are often confused because they look and sound alike – but their meanings are very different! Learn to remember the difference between these commonly confused words with these simple tips.

Here are my top tips to remember the difference between FATHER, FARTHER, and FURTHER.

When to use FATHER

FATHER is a noun that refers to the male parent.

You can use FATHER in a sentence like this:

“My FATHER was a huge inspiration to me.”

OR

“I can’t believe I’m going to become a FATHER!”

When to use FARTHER

FARTHER is a comparative adverb that describes the concept of being more distant, physically.

You can use FARTHER in a sentence like this:

“The festival stage is FARTHER away this year.”

OR

“The boat sailed FARTHER and FARTHER away.”

Remember that ‘How FAR?’ is linked to ‘How much FARTHER?’.

When to use FURTHER

FURTHER is another word for more distant – but this time, figuratively speaking. In some contexts, it can also mean more.

You can use FURTHER in a sentence like this:

“You couldn’t be FURTHER from the truth.”

OR

“FURTHER research is needed.”

This sentence shows the difference between FARTHER and FURTHER in use:

A restaurant might be closed ‘until FURTHER notice’ – and you may need to travel FARTHER to find a decent meal!

I hope these tips help you remember the difference between FATHER, FARTHER and FURTHER in future!

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