We may speak English every day; nevertheless, even some common English words can be confusing, even to the native speaker. Words that sound similar, like further and farther, can be interpreted to be synonyms of each other. However, there are crucial differences between the two words. The same principal and explanation hold true for enquire and inquire, to name only a few. In this post, we will explain the differences between sets of words that sound similar but mean different things.

Let us first look at further vs farther

Before we understand how to use these words, we need to understand why they are confusing.

They are confusing because both words can be used as verbs, adjectives and adverbs. The two words can have different meanings depending on which part of the speech it being used.

Among the many explanations for the differences between further and farther, the most common one is further is used for figurative distance while farther is used for physical distances. Let us understand the same with the help of few examples.

1. We need to further divide the pizza. Here, we use the word further to denote “moreover.”
2. Nothing else is further from the truth. Here we are using further to denote a figurative distance. When we say “further from the truth” it means “it is completely false” or “it is no way related to the truth.”
3. Sheila ate 6 bars of chocolate; further, she also had a full bottle of eggnog. Here, the word “further” is used to denote “moreover”. What we are trying to say is Sheila not only ate 6 bars of chocolate, she also had a full eggnog bottle.

Now, let us use the same method to understand the usage of the word “farther.”

1. The farther we go, the rockier is the terrain. In this sentence, the word farther denotes physical distance. It clearly states that the more we travel, the rockier is the terrain.
2. The seashore is at least 6 miles farther from here. In this sentence, the word farther denotes the physical distance between this point and the seashore.

From these examples, we can clearly see that father denotes the physical distance while further denotes “moreover,” “in addition to,” or a figurative distance.

Now, we will try and understand another set of confusing words:

Inquire vs Enquire

Enquire and inquire are used interchangeably, depending on whether you use US English or UK
English. Nevertheless, there is a subtle difference in the meanings of the two words.

Enquire is a word that denotes “to ask” while inquire means “to investigate.”

Let us use the two words in sentences and understand what they mean.

1. We enquired about his health and were saddened to know it had deteriorated.

In this sentence also, the word enquire means “to ask.”

2. The financial transaction inquiry revealed all his secret dealings. In this sentence, the
word inquire means to investigate or to research thoroughly about something.

3. The unfair practices inquiry committee found two students behind the final exam
question paper leak. In this sentence also, the word inquiry indicates investigation.

One can find inquiry or enquiry used interchangeably; however, in order to use the two words effectively, use this explanation as a guide.

From these examples, the meaning and usage of “farther vs further” and “inquire vs enquire” should become clearer. To learn about other such similar sets of words, please contact me.