Farther / further

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Riglos  #142433  Wed, 28 Sep 05 03:20 AM

Hi people!

I'd like to know what's the reason for "Are there any further questions"? being correct, and the following version, incorrect: "Are there any farther* questions?" If both words are accepted as the comparatives of "far", why is the last collocation not accepted?

Thanks a lot!

Mara.

  
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CalifJim  #142446  Wed, 28 Sep 05 04:40 AM
When you are not speaking of literal distance "further" is always the form to use.
With literal distance "farther" is preferred, but "further" is accepted by a minority of speakers.

The questions are not literally farther away from anyone or anything, so this is clearly the figurative use, and only  "further" will do.
CJ

  
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