Further vs. Future — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 12, 2024
Further involves advancement or progress, often in a metaphorical sense, while future pertains to the time yet to come or events that have not yet occurred.
Difference Between Further and Future
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Further is used to denote advancement or a greater extent in degree or time, often in abstract contexts. Whereas future refers to the time or period that is to come, encompassing events or conditions that have not yet happened.
While "further" can be used as a verb, adjective, or adverb to imply additional or beyond, "future" serves as a noun or adjective, focusing on what lies ahead in time. On the other hand, "future" specifically relates to upcoming times or events, often carrying implications for planning and anticipation.
Further exploration or discussion implies delving deeper or extending the scope of a subject, suggesting a progression or advancement in understanding. In contrast, future plans or expectations are concerned with what is anticipated or envisioned to happen later, emphasizing a forward-looking perspective.
In the context of distance or development, "further" might indicate a physical or metaphorical extension beyond a certain point. Conversely, the future is inherently tied to the concept of time, not implying movement or progression but the passage of time itself.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective, adverb, verb
Noun, adjective
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Definition
Beyond or more than what is already present or known
The time or period that is to come
Usage
Denotes advancement or additional extent
Refers to upcoming times or events
Context
Often used in abstract or metaphorical senses
Primarily related to time and events
Connotation
Suggests progress or extension
Focuses on anticipation and what lies ahead
Compare with Definitions
Further
The further side of the mountain is rarely visited.
We camped on the further side of the lake, away from other groups.
Future
The future holds many possibilities.
We're excited about the future prospects of the project.
Further
Let's discuss this further tomorrow.
He decided to research further into the subject.
Future
His future as a writer looks promising.
The future technology could change our lives.
Further
Further to your point, I'd like to add some observations.
Further to our conversation, I checked the data.
Future
The future of this industry is uncertain.
She pondered the future of her career.
Further
For further information, refer to the manual.
She requested further details on the project.
Future
Future events are planned with optimism.
The future meetings are scheduled for next month.
Further
This study furthered our understanding of the issue.
Her work furthered the cause significantly.
Future
Future plans include expanding the business.
Our future strategy focuses on sustainability.
Further
More distant in degree, time, or space
A result that was further from our expectations than last time.
The further lamppost.
Future
The future is the time after the present. Its arrival is considered inevitable due to the existence of time and the laws of physics.
Further
Additional
A further example.
A further delay.
Future
The indefinite time yet to come
Will try to do better in the future.
Further
To a greater extent; more
Considered further the consequences of her actions.
Future
Something that will happen in time to come
"The future comes apace" (Shakespeare).
Further
In addition; furthermore
He stated further that he would not cooperate with the committee.
Future
A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development
A business with no future.
Further
At or to a more distant or advanced point
Went only three miles further.
Reading five pages further tonight. See Usage Note at farther.
Future
Often futures A financial instrument that obligates the holder to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specified date in the future
A market for copper futures.
Further
To help the progress of; promote.
Future
The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence.
Further
(transitive) To help forward; to assist.
Future
A verb form in the future tense.
Further
(transitive) To encourage growth; to support progress or growth of something; to promote.
Further the economy.
To further the peace process
Future
That is to be or to come; of or existing in later time.
Further
(comparative form of far) More distant; relatively distant.
See those two lampposts? Run to the further one.
He was standing at the further end of the corridor.
Future
The time ahead; those moments yet to be experienced.
Further
More, additional.
I have one further comment to make.
Future
Something that will happen in moments yet to come.
Further
(comparative form of far) To, at or over a greater distance in space, time or other extent.
I can run further than you.
I live a little further out of town.
How was your company doing ten years further back?
Future
Goodness in what is yet to come. Something to look forward to.
There is no future in dwelling on the past.
Further
(comparative form of far) To a greater extent or degree.
Of the two civilisations, this one was further advanced.
I do not propose to discuss it any further. - Please, let me explain just a little further.
Future
The likely prospects for or fate of someone or something in time to come.
Further
Beyond what is already stated or is already the case.
Chapter 10 further explains the ideas introduced in Chapter 9.
Don't confuse things further.
Further, affiant sayeth naught. (A formal statement ending a deposition or affidavit, immediately preceding the affiant's signature.)
Future
(grammar) Verb tense used to talk about events that will happen in the future; future tense.
Further
(conjunctive) Also; in addition; furthermore; moreover.
It is overlong, and further, it makes no sense.
Future
(finance) futures
Further
(in the phrase 'further to') Following on (from).
Further to our recent telephone call, I am writing to clarify certain points raised.
This example is further to the one on page 17.
Future
An object that retrieves the value of a promise.
Further
To a greater distance; in addition; moreover. See Farther.
Carries us, I know not how much further, into familiar company.
They sdvanced us far as Eleusis and Thria; but no further.
Future
(sports) A minor-league prospect.
Further
More remote; at a greater distance; more in advance; farther; as, the further end of the field. See Farther.
Future
Having to do with or occurring in the future.
Future generations will either laugh or cry at our stupidity.
Further
Beyond; additional; as, a further reason for this opinion; nothing further to suggest.
Future
That is to be or come hereafter; that will exist at any time after the present; as, the next moment is future, to the present.
Further
To help forward; to promote; to advance; to forward; to help or assist.
This binds thee, then, to further my design.
I should nothing further the weal public.
Future
Time to come; time subsequent to the present (as, the future shall be as the present); collectively, events that are to happen in time to come.
Further
Promote the growth of;
Foster our children's well-being and education
Future
The possibilities of the future; - used especially of prospective success or advancement; as, he had great future before him.
Further
Contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
Future
A future tense.
Further
Existing or coming by way of addition;
An additional problem
Further information
There will be further delays
Took more time
Future
The time yet to come
Further
More distant in especially degree;
Nothing could be further from the truth
Further from our expectations
Farther from the truth
Farther from our expectations
Future
A verb tense that expresses actions or states in the future
Further
To or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (`further' is used more often than `farther' in this abstract sense);
Further complicated by uncertainty about the future
Let's not discuss it further
Nothing could be further from the truth
They are further along in their research than we expected
The application of the law was extended farther
He is going no farther in his studies
Future
Bulk commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
Further
In addition or furthermore;
If we further suppose
Stated further that he would not cooperate with them
They are definitely coming; further, they should be here already
Future
Yet to be or coming;
Some future historian will evaluate him
The present leader
Articles for present use
The present topic
The present system
Present observations
Further
To or at a greater distance in time or space (`farther' is used more frequently than `further' in this physical sense);
Farther north
Moved farther away
Farther down the corridor
The practice may go back still farther to the Druids
Went only three miles further
Further in the future
Future
Effective in or looking toward the future;
He was preparing for future employment opportunities
Future
Coming at a subsequent time or stage;
The future president entered college at the age of 16
Awaiting future actions on the bill
Later developments
Without ulterior argument
Future
(of elected officers) elected but not yet serving;
Our next president
Future
A verb tense or other formation referring to events or states that have not yet happened;
Future auxiliary
Common Curiosities
What does "future" refer to?
"Future" denotes the time or events that have not yet occurred, focusing on what is to come.
What does "further" mean?
"Further" refers to more of something, additional progress, or beyond a current point, and can be used as an adjective, adverb, or verb.
How do "further" and "future" differ in usage?
"Further" is used to imply additional amount, distance, or advancement, while "future" relates to time and events that are yet to happen.
Can "further" and "future" be used interchangeably?
No, "further" and "future" have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable, as "further" relates to advancement or extension, and "future" pertains to time.
Does "future" always involve planning or anticipation?
"Future" often involves a forward-looking perspective, but it can simply denote the time that is to come, without implying specific plans or anticipation.
How does "further" function in a sentence?
"Further" can function as an adjective, adverb, or verb, depending on the context, indicating additional extent, advancement, or the act of promoting something.
Does "future" only pertain to a specific time frame?
"Future" can refer to any time period that is yet to come, without specifying a particular duration.
Is "further" always related to physical distance?
No, "further" can relate to both physical distance and abstract concepts such as progress or additional information.
How is "future" defined?
"Future" refers to the time that is to come, anything that lies ahead, or potential or expected events.
How do "further" and "future" function in a sentence?
"Further" is used as an adjective or adverb to indicate more of something, whereas "future" is a noun or adjective relating to time yet to come.
Can you give an example of "future" used in a sentence?
E.g., "We are planning for a sustainable future."
What role does "future" play in a sentence?
"Future" can be a noun or adjective, referring to the time yet to come or describing something related to upcoming events or conditions.
Is "further" related to physical distance?
While "further" can relate to physical distance, it more commonly refers to metaphorical or abstract advancement or progress.
In what contexts is "future" most commonly discussed?
"Future" is frequently discussed in contexts related to planning, predictions, aspirations, and potential outcomes.
How does "further" contribute to academic or professional discussions?
"Further" is often used to suggest the need for additional exploration, analysis, or development in academic or professional contexts.
What is an example of using "further" in a sentence?
E.g., "We need to conduct further research to understand the phenomenon."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
