Further Or Furthermore? Here's The Correct Usage (+14 Examples)

While you might not notice a glaring difference between further or furthermore, you might be surprised to hear there is an obvious one. The two words are not interchangeable, even though they both start with “further.” Let’s find out why.

Is It Further Or Furthermore?

Further should be used when extending your point from a previous argument already made. Furthermore should be used when you’re introducing a new argument. Further is used in the middle of a sentence, while furthermore is used at the start of a sentence.

What Does Further Mean?

“Further” is used to continue a point you’ve previously made. We make use of “further” in writing (primarily formal tone), and we use it when we want to elaborate on a point.

Generally, the point is made already. That’s why we put “further” in the middle of a sentence. We can put it at the start, but we must make the following sentence directly linked to the one before.

If you ever try to start a sentence with “further,” you’ll leave your readers wondering what you’re furthering on from (unless you make it apparent with the following sentence). This means that if there isn’t a direct point you made in the previous section, you’re using “further” in a grammatically incorrect sense and will only end up confusing your readers over the intended effect.

What Does Furthermore Mean?

Furthermore is used to introduce a new idea that hasn’t already been made. Even if that idea is closely related to a previous one, if it’s still a new idea, “furthermore” is the correct word to use.

“Furthermore” is used at the start of a sentence because you’re putting a new idea forward. You can’t use furthermore in the middle of a sentence because it shouldn’t be a follow-on from the previous point made.

If you ever find yourself writing “furthermore” in the middle of the sentence, it’s often because you haven’t finished your point correctly or are misusing it. It’ll confuse many readers because you’re supposed to start a new reasoning altogether when you use “furthermore.” Make sure it always comes at the start of a sentence and nowhere else.

Should You Use Further Or Furthermore At The Beginning Of A Sentence?

We’ve already explained the significant differences between the two words, but there’s still a bit of confusion between which one goes where.

Both “further” and “furthermore” can be used at the beginning of a sentence. “Furthermore” is always used at the beginning, but “further” is only used when the sentence directly following it links to the previous sentence.

Furthermore, this business isn’t just about you.
Further to the point we made previously…

Sometimes, you’ll see “further” used at the start of a sentence in the way we show you above. This is only the case when the sentence after it follows on from the previous one. Usually, “furthermore” is the correct choice if we’re going to put either of the words at the beginning of a sentence. However, it might make more sense to use “further.”

Check to see whether you’re following on from a previous point or starting a new one before you decide between the two.

Should You Use A Comma After Further?

When we’re using “further,” we never need to write a comma after the word. That’s because it doesn’t set itself up as its own clause. We always need to elaborate our point more when we use “further,” meaning a comma won’t work after it.

“Further” needs further explanation before we can finish the clause.

The above is a good little tip to remember whether you put a comma at the end or not. Since we only put a comma after a word when the clause has already been completed, we know that “further” needs an explanation before we can think about breaking up the sentence.

Should You Use A Comma After Furthermore?

The opposite can be said about “furthermore,” though. We often use “furthermore” as an introduction to a new point, and it works as a standalone clause because people know what to expect from the word “furthermore.” If you use “furthermore,” always follow it with a comma. If you don’t, you’ll find that your sentence doesn’t flow correctly.

Furthermore begins a new point and stands alone. That’s why we need to put a comma directly after it to separate our clauses effectively.

There are some occasions where you might put furthermore after a semi-colon (when you don’t quite want to end a sentence but still want to start a new point). However, even in these cases, we need to include a comma after “furthermore” because it starts a new clause.

7 Examples Of How To Use “Further” In A Sentence

We can talk to you all day about the differences between the two words. However, the easiest way to learn how they work in different situations is to see them in action. We’ve put together some examples to do precisely that for you. Make sure you read the sentences through in their entirety so you can tell how each one works.

Further to the point we made previously, high streets are losing business as internet shopping increases.
He researched further into the matter before making his decision.
Without further delay, we’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the team.
One mistake was bad enough. They were further annoyed by his second mistake, though.
We can keep the leftovers stored for further events.
Before I can determine the cause of this injury, I need further information.
Our house is further away than you might realize.

There are a few different ways to use “further” in a sentence, but in no situation is it possible to replace it with “furthermore.” As we’ve previously stated, the two words are not interchangeable. You can’t use either one over the other, which is why it’s important to know which one to use when.

7 Examples Of How To Use “Furthermore” In A Sentence

We can use “furthermore” when we’re starting a new point and trying to develop it separately from what came before. Usually, we’d use it in a formal setting (most likely an essay), where we’re trying to explain a point that might not directly correlate with everything we’ve already written about.

Furthermore, this is a business where people need time to relax.
Furthermore, a lot needs to be done to fix the world that we live in.
Furthermore, we can’t keep ignoring the obvious side effects of these drugs.
Furthermore, people will keep protesting the problems until they are solved.
Furthermore, ice cream ranked higher than chocolate on a survey of student’s favorite treats.
Furthermore, dog breeds can’t be ranked by anything other than popularity, as every dog is different.
Furthermore, you get what you’re given.

See how in each of these examples, we can only start the sentence with “furthermore.” That’s because we’re introducing a new point. If you’ve learned about grammar rules in any language, then you’ll know that new sentences are started when a new point begins.

Further – Synonyms

Let’s look at some alternatives to the two words as well. We’ll start with “further” so you can see how you might write it. These are a good way to practice your language skills and expand your vocabulary list.

Additionally

We’re looking to add to our previously stated fact or opinion. That’s why “additionally” is a good replacement for “further.” Both words have the same meaning and are both used to the same degree in formal writing.

To a greater extent

If you want to further stress the point by making a greater point, this saying will work well. However, this is strictly reserved for formal situations and shouldn’t be used in informal ones.

Moreso

Again, we’re looking to cover a point that’s already been listed. “Moreso” allows us to develop a point in the same way as “further.”

Furthermore – Synonyms

“Furthermore” has synonyms that work on developing a new point in much the same way. We can use any of these alternatives in place of “furthermore.”

Moreover

While this is designed to link loosely back to the previous point, the idea is that we’re adding on some new information that wouldn’t otherwise be mentioned.

By the same token

Similarly to “moreover,” we use this phrase when we’re wanting to add more to a point while also starting a new trail of thought. It’s a common thing to do in a lot of informal writing styles.

Quiz: Have You Mastered The Further Or Furthermore Grammar?

Finally, let’s see how you do with a quiz to determine which of the words should be used in what context! We’ll include the answers at the end for you to look at.

(A. further / B. furthermore), you need to be a certain height before riding rollercoasters.
To (A. further / B. furthermore) my career, I need to get more qualifications.
(A. further / B. furthermore) to what has already been said, you can’t keep fighting against resistance without a problem.
(A. further / B. furthermore), some things aren’t designed to be fixed.
To help (A. further / B. furthermore) my point, I refer you to image 1.

Further Or Furthermore? Here’s The Correct Usage (+14 Examples)