Continual vs. Continuous: What's the Difference?
The words continual and continuous both relate to duration but with subtle differences in their meanings. Continual refers to events or actions that occur repeatedly over a period of time, with intervals in between. Continuous, on the other hand, describes events or actions that go on without any breaks or interruptions. Typically, continuous is used for something that is unceasing and constant, whereas continual implies a series of events that start and stop.
How do you use the word continual in a sentence?
The word continual is used to describe actions or events that occur with some regularity but not constantly. It implies that there is some interruption between occurrences. Use continual when you want to emphasize the regular repetition of something that is not uninterrupted.
Examples of continual in a sentence
- The continual beep of the equipment was a reminder that it needed to be serviced.
- Her continual requests for more data suggest she's not satisfied with the report.
- They noticed a continual pattern of delays in the project's progress.
How do you use the word continuous in a sentence?
The word continuous is used to describe something that happens without any breaks or interruptions. It conveys ongoing action or existence. Use continuous when referring to a duration that is unbroken and persistent.
Examples of continuous in a sentence
- The continuous hum of the refrigerator could be heard throughout the night.
- They worked in a state of continuous urgency to meet the deadline.
- The river flows in a continuous stream toward the sea.
Continual and continuous definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Continual definition:
Continual (adjective): Happening repeatedly and often over a period of time, with intervals in between.
Continual parts of speech:
Continual pronunciation:
Continual is pronounced as kuh-n-tin-yoo-uhl.
Continuous definition:
Continuous (adjective): Forming an unbroken whole without interruption.
Continuous parts of speech:
Continuous pronunciation:
Continuous is pronounced as kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs.
Continual (adjective): Happening repeatedly and often over a period of time, with intervals in between.
Continual parts of speech:
- As an adjective: The continual interruptions made it hard to concentrate.
Continual pronunciation:
Continual is pronounced as kuh-n-tin-yoo-uhl.
Continuous definition:
Continuous (adjective): Forming an unbroken whole without interruption.
Continuous parts of speech:
- As an adjective: The continuous noise from the construction site was unsettling.
Continuous pronunciation:
Continuous is pronounced as kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs.
Continual vs. Continuous in a nutshell
In a nutshell, continual and continuous both describe time-related concepts but differ in their nuances. Continual suggests a repetitive sequence with breaks, while continuous implies an unbroken, ongoing state or process. Both are adjectives and have distinct uses depending on the frequency and interruption—or the lack thereof—of the event or action being described. Understanding the difference can help clarify speech and writing, ensuring precise communication.
Get AI Writing Assistance Wherever You Type
Make sure your vocabulary is on point and every punctuation mark is in the right place, no matter where you’re working. Grammarly works across more than 500,000 websites and apps so you can improve your writing without copying, pasting, or breaking focused.
More Commonly Confused Words
Interest piqued? Pore (not pour) over other commonly confused words to help your writing reach peak (not peek) performance.