Far vs. Long Way

Far is used to indicate distance in space or time. It is most common in questions and negative clauses.

  • Did you walk far?
  • The railway station is not far from here.

In affirmative clauses we usually prefer a long way.

  • We walked a long way. (NOT — walked far.)
  • The station is a long way from here. (More natural than The station is far from here.)
Far in affirmative clauses

Far is normal in affirmative clauses with too, enough, as and so.

  • ‘Have I gone far enough?’ ‘A bit too far.’
  • ‘Any problems?’ ‘OK so far.

Far is also used in all kinds of clauses to modify comparatives, superlatives and too.

  • She is far older than her husband.
  • This is by far the best book I have read.
  • You are far too young to get married.

Farther vs. Further

We use both farther and further to talk about distance. There is no difference of meaning.

  • Tokyo is farther/further away than Beijing.

We can use further (but not farther) to mean additional, extra.

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I am Manjusha. This is my blog where I give English grammar lessons and worksheets.

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