What is further? Pronunciation and usage in English

further means . Learn how to pronounce and use further through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of further

furtheradverb

/ˈfəːðə/
Definition & pronunciation of further

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "further." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈfɜːðər (British English) or ˈfɜrθər (American English)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "fur": This sounds like the word "fur" (the animal covering) - /fɜːr/ or /fɜrθ/ (the "r" sound is very light).

  2. "ther": This is the tricky part! It’s pronounced like "thair" (as in, "there"), but with a short "a" sound. Think of the "th" in "think." /ðɛər/ or /θɛər/ (again, "r" is light).

Putting it together:

  • ˈfɜːðər (British): The ‘a’ in ‘fur’ is a broad ‘a’ as in ‘father’ and the ‘ther’ is pronounced as ‘thair’.
  • ˈfɜrθər (American): The ‘a’ in ‘fur’ is a flatter ‘a’ as in ‘car.’ The ‘th’ in ‘ther’ is shortened and made more like an ‘r’ sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. Search for "how to pronounce further" on YouTube and listen to several examples from both British and American speakers. Repeat after them.
  • Focus on the 'th' sound: Many people overemphasize the 'th' sound. It’s a subtle sound.
  • The 'r' sound is light: Don’t add a strong "r" sound at the end. It's a very soft "r" that’s almost like a flap of the tongue.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you an example sentence using “further”?

Usage and examples with the word further in English

Let's break down how to use the word "further" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your writing and speech.

1. As an Adverb (Meaning "Moreover" or "In Addition"):

  • Function: "Further" is most commonly used to add more information or to build upon a previous point. It's like saying "in addition," "also," or "moreover."
  • Example:
    • "I enjoyed the movie. Furthermore, the soundtrack was fantastic."
    • "He studied hard for the exam. Furthermore, he practiced regularly."
    • "The company has expanded its operations. Furthermore, they are planning new investments."

2. As an Adjective (Meaning "Additional" or "Supplementary"):

  • Function: “Further” describes something that is added on to something else, often for extra help or information.
  • Example:
    • “I need further assistance with this project.” (Meaning: I need additional assistance)
    • “The report included further details on the market trends.” (Meaning: Supplementary details)
    • "They provided further instructions for completing the assignment." (Additional instructions)

3. As a Preposition (Meaning "To a Greater Degree" or "Beyond"):

  • Function: This is where it gets a little trickier. “Further” here implies moving on, progressing, or extending something.
  • Example:
    • "We need to investigate this issue further." (Meaning: We need to investigate it more deeply)
    • "They will further their research in this area." (Meaning: They will continue and expand their research)
    • “He was asked to further explain his reasoning.” (Meaning: He was asked to explain it in more detail.)
    • "The government plans to further reduce taxes.” (Meaning: Increase the reduction – extend the policy)

Key Differences and Nuances:

  • “Further” vs. “More”: “Further” implies a progression or extended development, while “more” simply means “additional.”

    • "I need more information." (Just needing extra info)
    • "I need further information." (Needing information to continue or deepen my understanding)

  • “Further” vs. “Indeed”: “Indeed” is a stronger word expressing agreement or confirmation. “Further” simply adds more information.

    • “He is a talented musician. Indeed, he has won several awards.” (Confirmation)
    • “She is a talented musician. Further, she is composing her own music.” (Adding more information)

Tips for Using “Further” Effectively:

  • Be mindful of context: The meaning of “further” depends heavily on its role in a sentence.
  • Don’t overuse it: Like any word, using “further” too frequently can become repetitive. Consider if a simpler word like "also," "in addition," or “more” would work better.
  • Consider stronger alternatives: Sometimes, a more precise word will convey your meaning more effectively.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "further" in a specific context (e.g., academic writing, everyday conversation)?
  • Help you practice using "further" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word further

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