continue
A1Neutral/Formal
Definition
Meaning
to persist in an activity or state; to keep going without stopping.
To recommence or resume after an interruption; to extend in space, time, or sequence; to remain in a specified position or condition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily indicates uninterrupted progression or resumption. Can be transitive (with an object) or intransitive. Often followed by a gerund (verb+ing) or infinitive. In legal/formal contexts, 'continued' can describe an adjourned hearing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling difference in past participle: 'continued' vs. 'continuing' (no difference). In legal/parliamentary contexts, BrE might use 'adjourned' where AmE uses 'continued' for a court hearing.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In business/project contexts, both use identically.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with no significant divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + V (intransitive: The rain continued.)S + V + to-infinitive (He continued to speak.)S + V + gerund (She continued working.)S + V + O (transitive: We will continue the meeting.)S + V + O + adverb/prep phrase (The road continues for another mile.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be continued”
- “continue in the same vein”
- “continue the good work”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for ongoing projects, meetings, or trends (e.g., 'Sales continue to grow.').
Academic
Describes persistent phenomena, arguments, or research (e.g., 'The debate continues among scholars.').
Everyday
Common for daily activities, travel, weather, or conversations (e.g., 'Shall we continue walking?').
Technical
In computing: a loop or process control statement; in law: to adjourn a proceeding.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The match will continue after the rain stops.
- He continued driving despite the fog.
- Please continue with your presentation.
American English
- The trial will continue tomorrow.
- She continued to work on the project all night.
- Continue straight ahead for two blocks.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no adverbial form). 'Continuously' is a separate adverb.
American English
- N/A (no adverbial form). 'Continually' is a separate adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A (no standard adjectival use). 'Continuing' is a participle adjective: 'a continuing problem'.
American English
- N/A (no standard adjectival use). 'Continued' is used adjectivally: 'Thank you for your continued support'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lesson continues in five minutes.
- Does this road continue to the city?
- Please continue your story.
- If symptoms continue, consult a doctor.
- She paused for a moment and then continued speaking.
- The company hopes to continue its expansion next year.
- The political crisis continued to deepen throughout the week.
- Despite the criticism, the director continued with her original vision.
- The path continues along the ridge for another kilometre.
- The findings suggest that climate change will continue to exacerbate water scarcity.
- He continued undaunted by the mounting logistical challenges.
- The manuscript continues in this vein for several more folios.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CON-TIN (tin can) rolling down a hill—it just keeps going and doesn't stop. CONTINUE = keep it going.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (to continue on a path), FLOW (an uninterrupted stream), SUBSTANCE PERSISTENCE (something that remains).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'продолжать + infinitive' when a gerund is needed in English (e.g., 'He continued to read' vs. 'He continued reading' are both correct).
- Don't confuse with 'last' (продолжаться) which focuses on duration; 'continue' focuses on the action itself.
- Russian 'продолжить' can imply a stronger 'resume after a break,' while English 'continue' is more general.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I continued read the book.' Correct: 'I continued reading/to read the book.'
- Incorrect preposition: 'Continue on this way' (redundant 'on' in formal writing).
- Spelling: 'contineu', 'continoue'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'continue' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often minimal. 'Continue to do' can subtly emphasize the renewal of action, while 'continue doing' emphasizes the ongoing process. They are frequently interchangeable.
Yes, especially in formal or instructional writing (e.g., 'Continue by adding the flour slowly.'). It is an imperative form.
'Continuation' is the main noun (the act of continuing). 'Continuity' refers to unbroken connection or consistency.
Not always. 'Proceed' often implies moving forward after a stop or following a procedure. 'Continue' is broader, covering both non-stop action and resumption.