How to use "continued", "continuous", "continuing", "continual"?

Question

Hi, I'm a newbie here.I have difficulty using these adjectives: "continued", "continuous", "continuing", "continual". Could someone tell me how to use them correctly?Thank you.

Dbiz · Accepted Answer

The work continued for 5 more days. - The work happened in the past and has stopped by now.

The work is continuous. - keeps going, never stops.

The work is continuing. - the work is still happening, but will stop at some point.

This is continual work. - This work will keep going, never will stop, like continuous.

BarbaraPA · Answer

Greetings to both of you and welcome to the forums.

I've always liked the usage note on www.m-w.com for these words:

synonyms http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continual, http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuous, http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constant, http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incessant, http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetual, http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence <continual showers the whole weekend>. usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension <football's oldest continuous rivalry>. implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence <lived in constant pain>. implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity <annoyed by the incessant quarreling>. suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration <a land of perpetual snowfall>. implies enduring existence often through constant renewal <a perennial source of controversy>.

Anonymous · Answer

The question specifically referred to "continued," "continuous," "continuing," and "continual;" not "incessant," "perpetual," or "perennial."

Anonymous · Answer

Grammar geek's reply was most helpful.  The inclusion of other relevant terms was appreciated.

Anonymous · Answer

The difference between continuous and continual:
Continuous means process without any interruption.
Continual means a process with interruption (small or large).

Eg.: Say there's a continuous assessment every month. This means that the assessment takes place every month with any interruption. Assessment starts on 1st of every month and ends on last day of the month, followed by next assessment starting again from 1st of the following month.

If you say the assessment is a continual assessment, then it has a different meaning. The assessment starts on 1st of a month and ends in a week. There is no assessment after that week till the 1st of the following week.

Hope this helps.

Anonymous · Answer

Continuous refers to space, and time. Continual refers to time.

CalifJim · Answer

How to use "continued", "continuous", "continuing", "continual"?

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