Definition of further to

The phrase "further to" has become a commonly used expression in professional and business communication, particularly in emails and letters. The origin of this expression dates back to the 18th century when it was first recorded in literature. In its earliest usage, "further to" was a preposition used to indicate a connection or relation to a previous communication or action. This usage might have been influenced by the Old English word "farre" meaning "far," which originally carried the meaning of "farther" or "additional." Over time, "further to" evolved as a more concise replacement for phrases like "with regard to," "in connection with," and "regarding." Its shorter length allowed for more efficient and succinct communication, while still maintaining clarity in the context of a conversation or correspondence. In the 20th century, the use of "further to" became widespread in business communications, especially in emails where space is limited. As a result, it now has a recognized definition in the New Oxford American Dictionary, which describes it as "used to introduce a statement or instruction that relates to a previous message or action." In conclusion, the origin of "further to" can be traced back to its Old English roots, with its modern usage evolving as a more concise alternative to longer, more verbose phrases. Its historical evolution reflects the growing importance of efficiency and concision in professional communication, which continues to evolve as technology and communication styles evolve as well.