farther than

USAGE SUMMARY

"farther than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a distance as greater than another. Example: I had to walk farther than usual today to get to school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He went farther than most.

The Economist

"This goes farther than sexy content.

The New York Times - Tech

Somehow, it feels even farther than that.

The New York Times - Sports

I would even argue farther than that.

The New York Times

POLITICAL jokes travel farther than ever before.

The Economist

The architect sees farther than the slums,.

The New Yorker

"I can jump farther than that.

Independent

Few men voyaged farther than she.

The New York Times - Travel

Many systems go even farther than this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last winter, she went no farther than Long Island.

The New York Times

But they've gotten farther than anyone expected".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "farther than" when referring to physical distances, and "further than" for metaphorical or non-physical distances, although "further than" is acceptable in both contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "farther" exclusively for all types of distances. While acceptable, "further" is often more appropriate when discussing abstract or non-physical distances. For example, instead of saying "I don't want to discuss this farther than necessary", use "I don't want to discuss this further than necessary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "farther than" primarily functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or adjectives, indicating a greater physical distance compared to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "farther than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase, predominantly used to express differences in physical distance. While ""further than"" is a viable alternative, especially for non-physical comparisons, "farther than" excels when specifically denoting a greater physical distance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability, which is also substantiated by its frequent appearance in reputable sources, including "The New York Times", "The Economist", and "The New Yorker". To use this phrase effectively, focus on applying it to scenarios involving measurable, physical distances and use "further than" if referring to an abstract distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more distant than

This alternative uses a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes the distance aspect.

going beyond

A more general phrase for exceeding expectations, limits, or boundaries.

beyond the reach of

This phrase indicates something unattainable or exceeding a boundary.

past the point of

This option emphasizes exceeding a limit or threshold.

out of range of

This implies being beyond a specific scope or capability.

more advanced than

This suggests a higher level of progress or skill compared to something else.

exceeding the scope of

This option implies going beyond the defined limits or boundaries of something.

surpassing the limits of

Similar to exceeding, but with a stronger emphasis on overcoming limitations.

superior to

Implies being of higher quality or degree than something else.

transcending the boundaries of

A more figurative alternative suggesting a higher level of achievement.

FAQs

When should I use "farther than" versus "further than"?

Use "farther than" primarily for physical distances, such as "The store is "farther than" I thought". "Further than" is used for metaphorical or non-physical distances, like "I don't want to discuss this "further than" necessary". However, "further than" is acceptable in both contexts.

What is a simple way to rephrase "farther than"?

A simple way to rephrase "farther than" is to use "more distant than". For example, instead of saying "The destination is "farther than" expected", you can say "The destination is "more distant than" expected".

Is it grammatically correct to use "farther than" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "farther than" in formal writing, especially when referring to physical distances. In other contexts, ""further than"" might be preferred for a more formal tone.

What are some contexts where "farther than" is commonly used?

"Farther than" is commonly used in contexts involving geographic distances, such as travel, sports, and exploration. For example, "They traveled "farther than" any previous expedition".