[General] The further you go, the greater the risk

[barnej0096]

Is it ok to say: "The further you go, the greater the risk"?

 

[Rover_KE]

It's OK in the proper context.

 

[billmcd]

Is it ok to say: "The further you go, the greater the risk"?

Unless you are referring to physical distance, it's OK. Otherwise, use "farther" for a physical reference.

 

[bhaisahab]

Unless you are referring to physical distance, it's OK. Otherwise, use "farther" for a physical reference.

I disagree, billmcd. I think "further" and "farther" are interchangeable.

 

[billmcd]

I disagree, billmcd. I think "further" and "farther" are interchangeable.

Well, can we agree to disagree :?:

 

[5jj]

Well, can we agree to disagree :?:

I'll have to agree to agree with bhai, and to disagree with you.

As a result of my rather formal education half a century and more ago, I use the words in the way you do. However, I now strongly suspect that there was never any real justification for what I was taught. By some quirk of linguistic fate it just happens that 'far' has two, interchangeable (for most native speakers) comparative and superlative forms.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I'll have to agree to agree with bhai, and to disagree with you.

As a result of my rather formal education half a century and more ago, I use the words in the way you do. However, I now strongly suspect that there was never any real justification for what I was taught. By some quirk of linguistic fate it just happens that 'far' has two, interchangeable (for most native speakers) comparative and superlative forms.

This may be another AmE difference from BrE (although the difference is not 100%). The American Heritage Dictionary usage panel still maintains a difference.

See usage note: American Heritage Dictionary Entry: farther

 

[billmcd]

This may be another AmE difference from BrE (although the difference is not 100%). The American Heritage Dictionary usage panel still maintains a difference.

See usage note: American Heritage Dictionary Entry: farther

Vive la difference! ;-)

 

[5jj]

The American Heritage Dictionary usage panel still maintains a difference.

See usage note: American Heritage Dictionary Entry: farther

Thanks for the link. The preference of the majority of the members of a panel is not going to convince me that we have a 'rule'.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Thanks for the link. The preference of the majority of the members of a panel is not going to convince me that we have a 'rule'.

Nor should it. You have a very "healthy" opinion about English grammar rules. I find it refreshing.

 

[bhaisahab]

Online Etymology Dictionary