Skip to content
Continually vs. continuously

Continually vs. Continuously (Definition, Usage + Examples)

Last Updated

Continually and continuously are indeed similar; in fact, they’re synonyms of each other. That said, there’s a distinction between them worth observing.

Continually vs. continuously

Continually and continuously are both adverbs; their respective adjective forms are ‘continual’ and ‘continuous’.

👍🏼Usage Note

I have known her for five years. (present perfect)
She knew the answer immediately. (simple past)
I have knew her for five years. (incorrect past participle)
She has know the answer. (incorrect verb form)

  • Continually means “in a way that is repeated many times”, or “repeated frequently in the same way”. As in, “I continually update my resume whenever I gain new work experience”.

  • Continuously means “in a way that happens or exists for a period of time without being interrupted”. As in, “he managed to continuously annoy me throughout the entire road trip”.

It’s a subtle difference, and concerns whether what occurs is disrupted or not. If something happens on a regular or ongoing basis, but not unceasingly, then it is continual (or occurs continually).

Conversely, something that goes on uninterrupted, (e.g., “the faucet dripped continuously throughout the night”) means the faucet did not stop dripping all night. If (at a point) the faucet had stopped dripping, then it would be better described as having dripped ‘continually’ (example is borrowed from the Blue Book of Grammar).

“Continually” / “continuously”, used in sentences

Examples: “continually”, used in sentences
the need to adapt to new and continually changing circumstances.

New products are continually being developed.

They argue continually about money.

The privacy policy is updated continually.

Examples: “continuously”, used in sentences
The pressure was building slowly and continuously for several hours.

This prevents the system from continuously trying to deliver email.

He has lived and worked in France almost continuously since 1990.

Heat the mixture until thickened, stirring continuously.

“Continual” / “continuous”, used in sentences

Examples: “continual”, used in sentences Examples: “continuous”, used in sentences
He was in a continual process of rewriting his material.

We lived in continual fear of being discovered.

Recovery after the accident will be a continuous process that may take several months.

The organization aims to create a culture of “continuous improvement”.

Continually, synonyms

💡Study Tip

Practice using the verb in different tenses with example sentences to memorize the correct forms.

Continuously, synonyms

  • interminably
  • never-ending
  • endlessly
  • without end
  • unlimitedly
  • perpetually
  • relentlessly
  • unceasingly

Word origin (of continuously)

Early 14c., continuell, “proceeding without interruption or cessation; often repeated, very frequent,” from Old French continuel (12c.) and directly from Latin continuus … from continere (intransitive) “to be uninterrupted,” literally “to hang together”

Read about other misused words

Commonly misused words UK English vs. US English
former vs. latter burned or burnt?
bear with vs. bare with color or colour?
breathe or breath favorite vs. favourite
compliment vs. complement smelled or smelt?
effect vs. affect gray or grey?
elude or allude favor vs. favour
it’s or its analyze or analyse?

Sources

  1. Oxford Learner’s Dictionary on “continuously” and “continually”. Accessed 11 March, 2024.
  2. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of continuous.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/continuous. Accessed 11 March, 2024.

Worksheet

Question 1 of 10

Which is grammatically correct?




What makes a sentence grammatically correct?




Question 3: What is the main focus of this grammar content?




Question 4: Which is most important for proper grammar?




Question 5: Grammar rules help with:




Question 6: What is the main focus of this grammar content?




Question 7: Which is most important for proper grammar?




Question 8: Grammar rules help with:




Question 9: What is the main focus of this grammar content?




Question 10: Which is most important for proper grammar?




Which aspect is most important when learning grammar?

How can you improve your grammar skills?



Frequently Asked Questions

What are literary devices?
+

Techniques writers use to enhance their writing and convey messages effectively.

How do literary devices differ from rhetorical devices?
+

Literary devices are specific to creative writing, while rhetorical devices are broader.

Why should I learn about literary devices?
+

They help you understand and appreciate literature more deeply.

Can I use literary devices in my own writing?
+

Yes, they can make your writing more engaging and effective.

What’s the best way to remember different devices?
+

Practice identifying them in texts you read regularly.

Grammar Expert. "Continually Vs Continuously Definition Usage Examp." GrammarFlex, May 31, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/continually-vs-continuously-definition-usage-examp/.

The latest from the Grammarflex blog

From grammar and writing to style and clarity, our experts tackle the biggest questions in English and content creation.