continuation
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The action or state of carrying on or extending something that already exists; the fact of continuing without stopping.
A part or episode that follows on from a previous one; a logical or physical extension of something; in computing, a mechanism for suspending and resuming program execution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun when referring to a specific subsequent part (e.g., a sequel). An uncountable noun when referring to the abstract act or state of continuing. Often implies an unbroken connection or logical sequence with what precedes it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In business/project contexts, 'continuance' is a rarer alternative in AmE, but 'continuation' is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Can carry a positive connotation of stability or a negative one of unwanted prolongation, depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in British academic/professional writing, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
continuation of [NP][NP] is a continuation of [NP]for the continuation of [NP]in continuation of [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'To be continued...' (phrase used at the end of an episode)”
- “Continuation school (a type of adult education institution, now dated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the ongoing operation of a company or project (e.g., 'business continuation plan').
Academic
Used to describe the logical extension of an argument, theory, or line of research.
Everyday
Commonly used about TV series, stories, or ongoing situations (e.g., 'We hope for a continuation of the good weather').
Technical
In programming, a 'continuation' is a representation of the control state of a program.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The continuation of the film is on another channel.
- We hope for a continuation of sunny days.
- This chapter is a direct continuation of the previous one.
- The manager announced the continuation of the project next month.
- The peace talks' continuation hinges on tonight's compromise.
- Her latest novel is not a sequel but a spiritual continuation of her earlier themes.
- The judge granted a continuation of the trial due to new evidence.
- In functional programming, a continuation represents the 'rest of the computation'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONTINUous line. Adding '-ATION' turns the adjective into the noun for the act of making that line go on.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY (the path continues), A NARRATIVE/STORY (the next chapter), A FLUID SUBSTANCE (an unbroken stream).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'продолжительность' for 'duration'. 'Continuation' is 'продолжение'.
- Be careful with 'continuation' vs 'extension' ('расширение') – 'continuation' is about time/sequence, 'extension' often about space/scope.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'continuation' for a temporary pause (use 'resumption' or 'restart').
- Misspelling as 'contiuation' or 'continutation'.
- Using 'continuation' as a verb (the verb is 'continue').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'continuation' used as a technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Continuation' is the standard, general term. 'Continuance' is more formal and is primarily used in legal contexts (e.g., 'continuance of a court case') or, archaically, for the fact of enduring.
Not directly. You would say someone is the 'successor' or 'heir'. 'Continuation' is used for abstract things, processes, or narrative parts (e.g., 'He saw his son as a continuation of the family legacy').
It can be both. Uncountable: 'We argued for the continuation of funding.' Countable: 'The next book is a continuation of the saga.'
'Of' is by far the most common ('continuation of the policy'). 'In continuation of' is a more formal alternative used in official correspondence.
Explore