the further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the further" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "the further" when speaking about something that is continuing in a progress or direction. Example: The further we walked, the more beautiful the scenery became.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The further away the better.

The Economist

The further the better".

The New York Times

And the further boos?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The further through life I drift,.

The New Yorker

Risk grows the further out you look".

The New York Times

"The further the better," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The further adventures of an academic Lothario.

The New York Times - Books

Basically, the further away the better.

The Guardian - Film

It's always funnier the further it goes.

The New Yorker

Also, the further south the better.

The Guardian - Money

This is, of course, the further irony.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the further" to indicate a progression in distance, time, or degree. It is particularly effective when paired with another comparative, such as in the structure "the further X, the more Y."

Common error

Avoid using "the further" when you specifically mean physical distance. "Farther" is the correct term for physical distance, while "further" is used for metaphorical distance or degree. For example, it's correct to say "The farther we walked, the more tired we became" (physical distance), but "The further we investigated, the more complex the problem became" (degree).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the further" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, often introducing a comparative construction. It is used to indicate a progression or degree of something, as demonstrated in many examples where "the further" is paired with another comparative clause. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

24%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the further" is a versatile adverbial modifier that indicates a progression or degree, often used in comparative constructions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is generally considered neutral in register. When using "the further", be mindful to distinguish it from "farther", which is reserved for physical distances. Employ "the further" to create a connection between two variables where the increase or decrease in one affects the other.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the continued

Emphasizes unbroken continuation, while "the further" may imply an increase or progression.

the additional

Focuses on adding something extra, instead of progressing along a path or distance.

the ongoing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of something, rather than a progression to a new stage.

the supplementary

Highlights the supporting nature of something, deviating from the idea of simple progression.

the increased

Directly focuses on a rise in quantity or degree, distinguishing it from the broader 'further'.

the deeper

Suggests an exploration into greater depth or complexity, changing direction from a broad progression.

the ensuing

Emphasizes the time aspect of what comes after, shifting from a general sense of advancement.

the subsequent

Similar to 'ensuing' but with a stronger sense of chronological order, differing from the original's broader meaning.

the expanded

Stresses an increase in size or scope, shifting focus from simple advancement or continuation.

the more advanced

Specifically denotes higher level or complexity, unlike the neutrality of "the further".

FAQs

How do you use "the further" in a sentence?

"The further" is generally used to describe a progression or advancement in some quality or state. For example, "The further we went, the more beautiful the scenery became" or "The further I studied, the more I understood".

What's a good alternative to "the further"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the additional", "the supplementary", or "the ensuing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "further" vs "farther"?

"Further" is generally used for metaphorical or non-physical distances, while "farther" is used for physical distances. For instance, "I need to look further into this issue" (non-physical), but "How much farther is it to the store?" (physical).

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the further"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the further", especially when using the structure "the further X, the Y". For example, "The further we walked, the more tired we became".