--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing
(Text-only version of Quirks of English)
Many usage experts advise writers to keep the meanings of farther and further distinct. The adverb farther should be used for expressions of physical distance, such as "to a greater distance" and "the more distant of two things."
I live farther from work than my office partner does.
Elaine decided to go to the farther Post Office because it had a mind-boggling variety of interesting stamps available.
Further is an adverb and a verb. As an adverb, it should be used to describe abstract relationships of degree or quantity, where there is no concept of distance involved, such as "to a greater degree" or "to a greater extent."
They got further into debt by charging the maximum amount allowed by their credit card.
Our team delved further into ethical relapses than required by our charter.
As an adverb, further also can modify entire sentences in the same way as furthermore, meaning "in addition to" or "moreover."
Further, the tests showed that the new fibers bridge cracks in the matrix better.
As a verb, further means "to promote or advance."
The scholarship helped the student to further his education.
Anxious is an adjective that describes an extreme uneasiness of mind, or dread. Eager, also an adjective, describes a strong, urgent, and sometimes impatient desire to have something occur.
Use anxious if an anticipated event is dreaded or might go awry. Anxious people are worried, apprehensive, or uneasy about something that might occur.
Peering over the bridge railing to the turbulent river below, they were anxious about the stunt.
Use eager if an anticipated event or occurrence is perceived as beneficial, exciting, fun, or good. Eager people will enthusiastically anticipate an event and may be impatient if the event is delayed.
Not too many people are eager to find a school levy on the ballot when they go to vote.
Each of the following synonyms for eager have unique flavors of meaning:
Avid--ardent (often indicates a greediness or insatiability)
Mark is an avid Indians fan.
Keen--intense, lively, and lasting (usually followed by a quick response)
Louise has a keen interest in politics.
Agog--excited and impatient
The familiar bell-like song set the neighborhood children agog with anticipation, and scampering and pleading for money for the ice cream truck.
Athirst--yearning or longing, but not necessarily ready to take action
Bragging about what they would drive someday, the twelve-year-old boys were already athirst for days behind the wheel.
Before taking your writing project further, find out how Editorial can help.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009