further
/ˈfɜː.ðər/ (bre, ipa) · [fˈɚðɚ] /ˈfɝː.ðɚ/ (ame, ipa) · [fˈɚðɚ] /ˈfər-t͟hər/ (ame, mw)
further — adjective
- furtherpositive
- furtherercomparative
- furtherestsuperlative
1. located at a point that is more distant than something else; used to describe wh
located at a point that is more distant than something else; used to describe which of two places is farther away from where you are.
The library is on the further side of the park, past the playground.
the further side of [place]
Noor could see a small boat on the further shore of the lake.
We walked to the further end of the beach to find a quiet spot.
The front rooms were fine, but the further rooms at the back still need new windows.
Élise pointed to the further edge of the meadow where the wildflowers grew.
- farther
more common in American English for strictly physical distance
- more distant
more formal; works for both physical and figurative distance
文法句型
the further + noun (spatial)
用法筆記
Only used attributively (before a noun). In many contexts, 'farther' is preferred for physical distance, while 'further' is more common for figurative or abstract distance — but both are widely used for physical distance in everyday British and American English.
常見錯誤
2. more in amount; extra; used to say that something is added to what is already pr
more in amount; extra; used to say that something is added to what is already present or has already been done.
After explaining the lab steps, Allison asked if there were any further questions about the procedure.
any further questions (classroom phrase)
The doctor requested further tests to check Talia's blood pressure.
After attending the setup workshop, Minh asked for further training on the accounting software.
We need further information before we can approve the loan application.
After the interview, the manager told Reema that no further action was needed.
- additional
more formal; interchangeable with 'further' in most contexts
- extra
more informal; can refer to physical quantity as well
- more
neutral; more flexible but cannot precede a noun the same way ('more information' vs 'further information')
- less
smaller in amount
文法句型
further + noun (additional amount)
any further + noun
no further + noun
用法筆記
Common in formal and semi-formal contexts (education, business, healthcare). Unlike 'extra', 'further' does not imply physical quantity — use it for abstract or informational additions: further questions, further details, further steps.
常見錯誤
3. used at the start of a formal business letter or email to connect what you are a
used at the start of a formal business letter or email to connect what you are about to say with a previous letter, meeting, or conversation.
Further to our meeting last week, I am sending you the signed contract.
Further to [previous communication]
Further to Hamza's email of March 5th, we have approved the budget request.
Further to our telephone conversation, Jiwoo sent the signed lease agreement by email.
Further to my letter of January 12th, I am writing to confirm the new schedule.
- regarding
less formal; used in both spoken and written contexts
- in reference to
similar formality, works in American and British English
文法句型
Further to + noun phrase (letter/email/meeting/phone call)
用法筆記
Always appears at the start of a sentence followed by 'to'. This is a fixed formula in formal British business correspondence; in American English, 'in further reference to' or 'regarding' are more common alternatives. Never used in spoken or informal writing.
further — adverb
1. used to describe how something moves, changes, or develops compared with its ear
used to describe how something moves, changes, or develops compared with its earlier state — for example, over a longer distance, after more time, or at a higher degree. This is the comparative form of 'far'.
The plane flew further south until the coast line disappeared from view.
further + direction word
Hamza ran further than anyone else in the charity race last Sunday.
Jude searched further through the old files but could not find the receipt.
As the sun set, the mountain temperature dropped further and Aylin zipped up her coat.
Shanti pushed herself further and completed the full marathon course despite the pain.
文法句型
verb + further
further + comparative adjective
further than [comparison]
用法筆記
Like the adjective sense, 'farther' is more common for purely physical distance in American English, though 'further' is widely used for both physical and figurative distance. Unlike 'far', 'further' is regular in comparative constructions and does not require 'than' to be present. Distinguish from the 'more advanced' sense (adv/2): this sense (adv/1) describes the degree or extent of a single activity, while adv/2 describes moving an entire process to a more developed stage, typically using 'take something further' or 'go further with'.
常見錯誤
2. towards a more developed or detailed point within a process, discussion, or plan
towards a more developed or detailed point within a process, discussion, or plan — usually after the opening steps have been completed. In most cases the fixed patterns 'take something further' or 'go further with something' are used.
The police are taking the investigation further by questioning more eye witnesses.
take [something] further
We cannot go further with the building project until we receive the funds.
Wei wants to take the science program further and add a proper laboratory.
Let us take this idea further and turn it into a full business proposal.
文法句型
take + noun + further
go further with + noun
用法筆記
This sense almost always appears in the fixed patterns 'take something further' or 'go further (with something)'. These phrases mean to develop an idea, plan, or investigation to a more complete or detailed stage. Distinguish from adv/1, which can be about physical distance or abstract degree without implying a staged process.
常見錯誤
further — verb
- furtherpresent simple I / you / we / they
- furthers3rd person singular
- furthering-ing form
- furtheredpast simple
1. to help something such as a plan, cause, project, or career make progress or bec
to help something such as a plan, cause, project, or career make progress or become more successful, usually by providing support or taking deliberate action.
The new grant allowed Sven's lab to further their cancer research by buying better microscopes.
further + noun (formal/abstract goal)
Anya took extra evening classes to further her career in nursing management.
The new trade agreement should further economic growth across the whole region.
Adisa hopes to further his education by studying mechanical engineering in Germany.
The charity works to further the cause of girls' education in rural communities.
- promote
most common synonym; slightly broader, can include advertising or raising awareness
- advance
focuses on moving forward; similar formality
- facilitate
emphasises making something easier rather than actively pushing it forward
文法句型
further + noun phrase (abstract goal/cause/interest)
用法筆記
Formal register — rarely used in casual conversation. The object is nearly always an abstract noun phrase (career, research, cause, education, interests). Do not confuse with 'furthur' (a common misspelling). Frequently appears in academic and institutional contexts.