Glossary of correct usage: farther, further — inside of, outside of
farther, further
Farther pertains to distance; further is used to express additional time, degree, or quantity.
Chicago is farther north than Fort Worth.
We traveled farther yesterday than the day before.
I will give you further information later.
The president had nothing further to reveal.
fewer, less
Fewer refers to number, to the countable. Less refers to value, degree, or amount.
The class consists of fewer than fifteen students.
Fewer girls become engineers than boys.
He spends less time on his studies than on his golf game.
Wrong: Less people speak Thai than English.
Right: Fewer people speak Thai than English.
had better, would rather
express advisability or preference. Do not omit the auxiliary.
Wrong: You better pay attention to what I am saying.
Right: You had better pay attention to what I am saying.
half a, a half
Both are correct. Do not use a half a.
Wrong: She ate a half a sandwich.
Right: She ate half a sandwich ( or a half sandwich )
hanged, hung
Hanged refers to executions.
The murderer was hanged for his crime.
The wall was hung with photographs.
He hung his clothes in the closet.
healthful, healthy
Healthy usually means » having health.» Healthful means » giving health.»
Vitamins are healthful.
I want to buy a healthy kitten.
in, into
In indicates » location within.» Into indicates » motion or direction.»
Wrong: She stepped in the car.
Right: She stepped into the car.
in back of, in between
Both are incorrect. Omit the » in.»
Wrong: Mary was standing in between two chairs.
Right: Mary was standing between two chairs.
Right: Back of the library is Allen Hall.
in regards to
is not correct. Say in regard to, as regards, or regarding.
Wrong: She spoke to me in regards to my grades.
Right: She spoke to me in regard to ( or as regards, regarding ) my grades.
inside of, outside of
Both are incorrect. Omit the » of.» Do not confuse of with within.
Wrong: He lives outside of the city.
Right: He lives outside the city.
Wrong: The meeting will be over inside of an hour.
Right: The meeting will be over within an hour.
Wrong: The children are to remain inside of the house.
Right: The children are to remain inside the house.
