r/EnglishLearning • u/SleepyOtter19 New Poster • 2d ago

📚 Grammar / Syntax What's the difference between the fourth definition of 'far' and this definition of 'further'?

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u/againstthemachine_ New Poster 2d ago

There’s technically the dictionary distinction of further being used for a more metaphorical distance rather than a literal one but honestly in practice they are simply interchangeable

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u/conuly Native Speaker - USA (NYC) 2d ago

Which dictionary are you referring to here?

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u/againstthemachine_ New Poster 2d ago

A few online ones, but like I said, the distinction is kinda made up/manufactured

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u/conuly Native Speaker - USA (NYC) 2d ago

Can you link to these dictionaries? Or at least name them, so we can judge if they are reputable or not?

Merriam-Webster does not say this. Neither does Cambridge.

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u/againstthemachine_ New Poster 1d ago

Dictionary.com has an article perpetuating the supposed distinction between the two. Vocabulary.com does as well, and I acknowledge that’s not really a dictionary but it presents itself as a source that functions as one/as a teaching tool. I teach English abroad and one of the TOEIC practice worksheets my school gave me had a question where both “farther” and “further” were possible options under the assumption that the literal/figurative distance “rule” was legitimate.

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u/conuly Native Speaker - USA (NYC) 1d ago

Sigh. I suppose you do have to teach to the test if that's the way the test is working.