Vocabulary: using ‘far’
Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)

‘Far’ can be used to talk about distance but here I want to look at a different meaning.

We can use it with comparatives:

It is far cheaper to camp than to stay in a hotel. (very much cheaper)
It is far easier to pay by card than writing a cheque. (very much easier)

We can also use it with superlatives:

Going by plane is by far the best way to get there.
This taxi company is by far the most reliable in town.
This technique is by far the least time consuming of the three. (quickest)

We can also use it with a similar meaning with adverbs:

It’s far too expensive. I really can’t afford it.
This is far too cheap: the quality is terrible.
The new film is far more exciting than her last film. (very much more exciting)
This book is far less interesting than that one. (much less interesting)

In these examples, we can also use ‘way‘ (it is usually more informal than ‘far’) e.g.

It’s way too expensive. We’ll have to find an alternative.
This is way too cheap: the quality is terrible.
The new film is way more exciting than her last film. (very much more exciting)
This book is way less interesting than that one.
You are way too slow. It took you an hour but you only have ten minutes.
It’s way too important to discuss right now. Let’s talk about it tomorrow.

Try to use some of these combinations in your speaking and writing.

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