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A1 verb #134 most common 16 min read

continue

Top 134

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips continue in 30 Seconds

Explanation continue in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'continue' is a very simple and useful word. It means 'don't stop.' When you are learning English, you use it to talk about basic things in your life. For example, if you are walking with a friend and you want to keep walking, you can say, 'Let's continue.' If you are reading a book and you want to keep reading, you can say, 'I want to continue this book.' It is one of the first verbs you learn to describe how time moves. You might use it in a classroom when the teacher says, 'Continue your work.' It is very similar to the word 'keep' but a little more formal. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that you can say 'continue to [verb]' or 'continue [verb]-ing.' Both are correct! For example, 'continue to play' or 'continue playing.' It is a friendly word that helps you talk about your day and your hobbies. You will see it on computer screens when you are playing games or using an app. It usually means 'go to the next step.' It is a very positive word because it means you are moving forward and not giving up. Even if you only know a few words, 'continue' is a great one to have in your pocket because it shows you are active and engaged with what you are doing. It helps you connect your sentences together so you can speak for a longer time.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'continue' in more specific ways. You might use it to talk about the future or to give directions. For example, 'Continue straight for 500 meters' is a common phrase you might hear from a GPS or a person helping you find a place. You also begin to use it in the past tense to describe things that happened for a long time: 'The rain continued all day yesterday.' At this level, you are learning to connect ideas more clearly. You might say, 'I was tired, but I continued to study.' This shows a contrast between how you felt and what you did. You also start to see 'continue' in professional or school contexts. A teacher might say, 'We will continue this lesson on Monday.' This helps you understand the schedule and what to expect. You are also becoming more aware of the difference between 'continue' and 'stop.' You can use 'continue' to talk about habits, like 'I want to continue learning English next year.' It is a word that helps you express your goals and your persistence. You might also notice it in news headlines or simple stories. It is a very reliable verb that works in many different situations. By using 'continue,' you are showing that you can handle more than just simple 'subject-verb-object' sentences; you are starting to describe the flow of events over time.

At the B1 level, you use 'continue' to express more complex and abstract ideas. You are no longer just talking about walking or reading; you are talking about trends, processes, and emotional states. For example, you might say, 'The economy continues to grow,' or 'She continued to feel sad despite the good news.' At this level, you are expected to use the word with more variety in your sentence structures. You might use it in the passive voice in formal writing: 'The investigation is being continued by the police.' You also start to use adverbs to modify the word, such as 'continue steadily' or 'continue indefinitely.' This adds more detail to your descriptions. You are also learning to use 'continue' as a way to manage conversations. If you are in a group discussion and someone stops talking, you might say, 'Please continue your point,' which shows you are following the logic of the argument. You also start to see the word in more formal documents, like contracts or reports. For instance, 'This agreement shall continue for a period of three years.' At B1, you are expected to understand the nuance between 'continue' and 'resume.' You know that 'resume' is better if there was a clear break in the action. Using 'continue' correctly at this level shows that you have a good grasp of how to describe ongoing situations in both personal and professional life.

At the B2 level, 'continue' becomes a tool for sophisticated communication. You use it to discuss long-term strategies, historical trends, and nuanced human behaviors. You might say, 'The company aims to continue its legacy of innovation,' or 'The conflict continued unabated for several decades.' At this level, you are comfortable using 'continue' in a wide range of registers, from casual talk to formal academic writing. You understand that 'continue' can be used to link different parts of a long text, helping to maintain cohesion. For example, 'Continuing from the previous chapter, we will now look at the results.' You also use it to describe persistence in the face of adversity, often pairing it with words like 'despite,' 'regardless of,' or 'notwithstanding.' For instance, 'They continued their research notwithstanding the lack of funding.' This shows a high level of grammatical control. You also start to use the noun form 'continuation' and the adjective 'continuous' or 'continual' more frequently, showing a deeper understanding of the word family. You can distinguish between 'continuous' (without any break) and 'continual' (repeated many times). At B2, your use of 'continue' is precise and effective, allowing you to describe the world with a high degree of accuracy and sophistication. You are able to use it to build complex arguments and to describe the intricate ways that events and ideas are connected over time.

At the C1 level, your use of 'continue' is marked by precision and stylistic flair. You use it to express subtle shades of meaning and to create a specific tone in your writing or speech. You might use it in literary or highly formal contexts, such as 'The silence continued, heavy and expectant.' Here, the word is not just describing a lack of noise, but is contributing to the atmosphere of the scene. You are also adept at using 'continue' in idiomatic and metaphorical ways. For example, 'He continued down a dangerous path of self-destruction.' You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which allows you to use it in ways that feel both traditional and modern. In academic or professional settings, you use 'continue' to describe the trajectory of complex systems: 'The data suggests that the current trend will continue to accelerate over the next decade.' You are also able to use the word to critique or analyze the work of others, such as 'The author continues to rely on outdated stereotypes.' At this level, you are a master of the word's various patterns and can use them to create rhythmic and persuasive prose. You know when to use 'continue' and when to choose a more obscure synonym like 'persist,' 'endure,' or 'perpetuate' to achieve a specific effect. Your command of the word is such that it feels like a natural and effortless part of your vocabulary, used with both confidence and nuance.

At the C2 level, 'continue' is used with a level of mastery that reflects a near-native or native-like command of English. You use it to explore philosophical concepts, complex scientific theories, and the deepest nuances of human experience. You might use it in a sentence like, 'The human spirit continues to strive for meaning in an indifferent universe.' This shows an ability to use a simple word to express a profound idea. You are also a master of the word's place in the history of the language, recognizing its Latin roots and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. In your writing, you use 'continue' to create complex structures of continuity and change, often using it as a pivot point in an essay or a speech. For example, 'While the methods have changed, the underlying principles continue to guide our actions.' You are also able to use the word in highly specialized fields, such as law, where 'continuance' has a very specific meaning, or in mathematics, where 'continuous functions' are a core concept. Your use of the word is characterized by an effortless precision; you never use it where another word would be better, and you always use it in a way that enhances the clarity and impact of your message. At C2, 'continue' is not just a verb; it is a versatile instrument that you play with skill and sensitivity, using it to weave together the threads of complex narratives and arguments with grace and authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

continue in 30 Seconds

The verb 'continue' means to persist in an action or state without stopping, or to start again after a pause.
It is a versatile word used in daily life, business, science, and directions to show duration and flow.
You can use it with a gerund (continue working) or an infinitive (continue to work) with almost no difference.
Common synonyms include 'keep on', 'proceed', and 'resume', while antonyms include 'stop', 'quit', and 'cease'.

The verb continue is a fundamental building block of the English language, primarily used to describe the persistence of an action, a state, or a process. At its core, it signifies that something does not stop. Whether you are talking about a rainstorm that lasts all night or a student who keeps studying despite being tired, this word captures the essence of ongoing movement through time. It is a versatile term that fits comfortably in casual conversations, academic papers, and professional environments alike. Understanding its nuances involves recognizing that it can refer to both an uninterrupted flow and a resumption after a pause. For instance, when a teacher says, 'Let us continue,' after a fire drill, they are indicating that the previous activity is starting again. Conversely, when a marathon runner continues to run despite the heat, they are maintaining an unbroken effort. This duality makes it an essential word for expressing duration and persistence.

Persistence of Action: This refers to the act of keeping up an activity without any interruption. It implies a steady state where the energy or effort remains constant over a period of time. Example: The music continued until dawn.
Resumption After Interruption: This usage occurs when an activity was stopped for a short time and then started again. It bridges the gap between the past and the present. Example: We will continue this discussion tomorrow.
Spatial Extension: In a physical sense, it describes something that extends in space without a break. Example: The road continues for another ten miles through the forest.

Even though the rain was heavy, the players decided to continue the match until the final whistle blew.

In daily life, you will hear this word in various contexts. In a professional setting, a manager might ask if a project will continue into the next quarter. In a medical context, a doctor might advise a patient to continue taking their medication. The word carries a sense of reliability and expectation. When we say something continues, we are often making a prediction or an observation about the stability of a situation. It is also deeply tied to the concept of 'flow.' In storytelling, authors use it to move the plot forward without jarring transitions. In music, a melody might continue across different instruments. The breadth of its application is why it is introduced so early in English learning (CEFR A1). It allows beginners to talk about their routines, their plans, and the world around them with a sense of temporal continuity.

Please continue reading from page twenty-four where we left off yesterday.

Culturally, the idea of 'continuing' is often associated with resilience and grit. Phrases like 'continue the fight' or 'continue the legacy' suggest a moral or emotional commitment to a cause that transcends a single moment. It is a word of endurance. In scientific writing, it describes ongoing phenomena, such as the continuing expansion of the universe or the continuing evolution of a species. In these contexts, the word takes on a more objective, observational tone. Regardless of the register, the core meaning remains anchored in the rejection of an ending. To continue is to defy the stop sign, to push through the pause, and to ensure that the thread of action remains unbroken. It is the linguistic equivalent of a straight line extending toward the horizon, suggesting that what is happening now will likely happen in the next moment as well.

The scientist noted that the reaction would continue as long as the temperature remained above freezing.

Grammatical Flexibility: It can be used transitively (with an object) or intransitively (without an object). This allows for concise communication.
Formal Tone: While 'keep' is common in informal speech, 'continue' is preferred in formal writing and professional reports.

If you continue to practice every day, you will eventually become a master of the piano.

Using continue correctly requires an understanding of its various syntactic patterns. The most common pattern is following the verb with either a gerund (-ing form) or an infinitive (to + verb). For example, 'She continued singing' and 'She continued to sing' are both grammatically sound and virtually identical in meaning. However, subtle stylistic choices might lead a writer to prefer one over the other. The gerund often emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action itself, while the infinitive can sometimes suggest a more deliberate choice or a sequence of events. In more formal contexts, 'continue' is often followed by a noun phrase, such as 'continue the investigation' or 'continue the tradition.' This transitive use is vital for business and legal documentation where specific processes are being tracked.

Pattern: Continue + Gerund: Used to show an action that is currently in progress and will not stop. Example: They continued walking through the park.
Pattern: Continue + To-Infinitive: Used to indicate a habit or a persistent state. Example: The price of gas continues to rise.
Pattern: Continue + Noun: Used when the action is directed at a specific object or project. Example: We must continue our efforts to save the environment.

The company will continue its operations in Europe despite the economic challenges.

Another important aspect is the use of 'continue' in different tenses. In the present simple, it describes general truths or regular occurrences: 'The sun continues to shine.' In the future tense, it is used for predictions: 'The trend will continue next year.' In the past tense, it describes completed durations: 'The noise continued all night.' It is also frequently used in the imperative mood to give instructions, such as 'Continue straight for two miles' when giving directions. This versatility allows it to function as a bridge between different timeframes, making it a powerful tool for narrative coherence. When you use 'continue,' you are essentially telling your listener or reader to maintain their current mental model of the situation because no significant change in state has occurred.

Please continue with your presentation; we are all listening intently.

In complex sentences, 'continue' can be paired with conjunctions like 'although' or 'because' to explain the conditions of persistence. For example, 'The team continued to play although they were losing.' This highlights the contrast between the external circumstances and the internal resolve to keep going. In academic writing, it is often used to link ideas: 'This study continues the work of Smith (2020).' Here, it signifies intellectual lineage and the ongoing development of a theory. By mastering these patterns, learners can move beyond simple descriptions and start expressing more nuanced ideas about duration, resilience, and logical progression. The word acts as a glue that holds together the different parts of a story or an argument, ensuring that the listener can follow the flow of events without getting lost in abrupt stops and starts.

The road continues along the coast for several miles, offering beautiful views of the ocean.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Intransitive: 'The rain continued.' Transitive: 'They continued the meeting.'
Phrasal Verbs: 'Continue on' is a common variation, though 'on' is often redundant. 'Continue with' is used to specify the activity.

He continued to stare out the window, lost in his own thoughts.

The word continue is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every domain of human activity. In the world of media and entertainment, you will often see the phrase 'To be continued...' at the end of a television episode or a comic book. This cliffhanger usage is designed to build anticipation, promising the audience that the story is not over and will resume in the future. In news broadcasting, journalists frequently use the word to report on ongoing events: 'The search for survivors continues,' or 'Protests continued throughout the night.' Here, it conveys a sense of urgency and the persistent nature of the situation being described. It is a word that keeps the audience updated on the status of a developing story, indicating that the 'final chapter' has not yet been written.

In the Workplace: Managers use it to discuss project timelines, budget allocations, and employee performance. 'We will continue to monitor the situation.'
In Education: Teachers use it to guide students through lessons. 'Let's continue to the next chapter.' It provides structure to the learning process.
In Technology: Software interfaces often have a 'Continue' button to move the user to the next step of an installation or a checkout process.

The narrator's voice was calm as he said, 'The journey will continue across the great desert.'

In everyday social interactions, 'continue' is used to maintain the flow of conversation. If someone is interrupted while telling a story, a polite listener might say, 'Please continue,' to signal that they are still interested. It is a vital social lubricant that shows respect for the speaker's narrative. You will also hear it in public announcements, such as at a train station: 'This train will continue to London Waterloo, calling at...' In this context, it provides essential information about the route and destination. The word is so common that we often don't even notice it, yet it performs the crucial task of signaling that the current state of affairs is persisting or that a planned sequence is being followed. It is a word of stability in a world of constant change.

After the short intermission, the orchestra will continue with the second symphony.

Furthermore, in the realm of law and government, 'continue' has specific procedural meanings. A judge might 'continue' a case, which means postponing it to a later date. This legal usage is slightly different from the everyday meaning but still relates to the idea of the process 'staying alive' rather than being terminated. In sports, commentators use it to describe a team's winning streak: 'The Lakers continue their winning ways with a victory tonight.' This reinforces the idea of momentum. Whether it's a 'Continue' button on a website or a 'Continue' command in a programming language (like C++ or Python), the word is a universal signal for 'keep going.' Its presence across so many different fields highlights its importance as a concept that humans use to organize their understanding of time and effort.

The GPS instructed the driver to continue for three miles before turning left.

In Literature: Used to describe the internal monologue of characters or the persistent themes of a novel.
In Science: Used to describe the ongoing results of an experiment or a natural cycle.

The debate will continue until all parties reach a mutual agreement.

Even though continue is an A1-level word, learners and even native speakers often make subtle errors in its usage. One of the most frequent mistakes is the redundant use of 'on' after 'continue.' While 'continue on' is widely heard in spoken English, the 'on' is usually unnecessary because the word 'continue' already implies forward movement or persistence. For example, 'We continued on our journey' is acceptable, but 'We continued our journey' is more concise and preferred in formal writing. Another common error involves the confusion between 'continue' and 'resume.' While they are related, 'resume' specifically means to start again after a break, whereas 'continue' can mean either starting again OR never stopping in the first place. Using 'resume' when there was no break is a semantic error.

Redundancy: 'Continue On': Avoid: 'Please continue on with your work.' Better: 'Please continue with your work.' The 'on' doesn't add new meaning.
Confusing 'Continue' and 'Stay': Avoid: 'I will continue at the hotel.' Better: 'I will stay at the hotel.' 'Continue' implies an action or state, not just physical location.
Wrong Preposition: Avoid: 'Continue at reading.' Better: 'Continue reading' or 'Continue to read.' No preposition is needed before the gerund.

Incorrect: He continued to back to his house. Correct: He continued back to his house (or simply 'returned').

Learners also struggle with the distinction between 'continue' and 'keep.' While they are often interchangeable ('keep working' vs. 'continue working'), 'keep' is much more informal. Using 'keep' in a formal report might sound too casual, while using 'continue' in a very relaxed setting might sound slightly stiff. Additionally, 'keep' can sometimes imply a repetitive action ('He keeps calling me'), whereas 'continue' usually implies a single, sustained action. Another pitfall is the use of 'continue' with the word 'again.' Saying 'continue again' is redundant because 'continue' can already mean 'to start again.' For example, 'We will continue again tomorrow' should just be 'We will continue tomorrow.' These small redundancies can make a speaker sound less fluent and their writing less sharp.

Common Error: 'The class continues for two hours.' (This is correct, but 'lasts' is often more natural for duration).

Finally, there is the issue of word order in questions and negatives. Some learners might say, 'Do you continue?' when they mean 'Are you still doing that?' While 'Do you continue?' is grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural in most contexts. A more natural way to ask about persistence is 'Are you going to continue?' or 'Will you continue?' In negative sentences, 'don't continue' is a command to stop, but it is often more natural to say 'stop' or 'quit.' For instance, 'Don't continue talking' is grammatically fine, but 'Stop talking' is more direct and common. Understanding these stylistic preferences helps learners sound more like native speakers. By avoiding redundancy and choosing the right level of formality, you can use 'continue' to communicate clearly and effectively in any situation.

Incorrect: I will continue until I will finish. Correct: I will continue until I finish (use present simple after 'until').

Tense Consistency: Ensure that the tense of 'continue' matches the overall timeframe of your sentence.
Redundancy Check: Always ask yourself: Does 'on' or 'again' add any necessary information? If not, remove it.

The story continues in the next chapter, where the hero finally meets his rival.

While continue is a great all-purpose word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. Choosing the right synonym depends on whether you want to emphasize the starting again, the difficulty of the task, or the formal nature of the action. For example, 'resume' is the best choice when you are talking about starting something after a specific break, like a lunch hour or a holiday. 'Proceed' is a more formal alternative often used in official or legal contexts, suggesting a planned or orderly movement forward. If you want to emphasize that someone is continuing despite difficulties, 'persist' or 'persevere' are much stronger and more descriptive choices.

Resume vs. Continue: 'Resume' implies a prior stop. 'Continue' can imply a stop or no stop at all. Use 'resume' for clarity after a break.
Proceed vs. Continue: 'Proceed' sounds more official. You 'proceed to the gate' at an airport, but you 'continue walking' in a park.
Persist vs. Continue: 'Persist' often has a negative connotation (like a cough) or a heroic one (like a scientist). It implies overcoming resistance.

Instead of just saying continue, you could say 'carry on' to sound more informal and British.

In informal British English, 'carry on' is a very common phrasal verb that serves as a direct synonym for 'continue.' It has a friendly, encouraging tone. In American English, 'keep on' is more common. For example, 'Keep on truckin'' or 'Keep on going.' On the more formal side, 'maintain' is used when the focus is on keeping a certain level or state, such as 'maintaining a speed' or 'maintaining a relationship.' If something continues for a very long time, you might use 'endure' or 'last.' For instance, 'The tradition has endured for centuries.' These alternatives allow you to paint a more vivid picture for your audience. Instead of a simple line of continuity, you can describe a journey that is 'resumed' after a rest, 'persisted' in through a storm, or 'maintained' with careful effort.

The rain continued (or 'persisted') throughout the afternoon, ruining our plans for a picnic.

When writing, it is often helpful to vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. If you have used 'continue' in one sentence, you might use 'remain' or 'stay' in the next if the context allows. For example, 'The prices continued to rise, and the inflation remained high.' This makes your writing more engaging. In technical fields, 'loop' or 'repeat' might be more appropriate if the action is cyclical. In music, 'segue' is a beautiful word for continuing from one piece to another without a break. By expanding your toolkit of 'continuity words,' you can express the flow of time and action with greater precision and style. Each synonym carries its own 'flavor,' and learning these flavors is a key part of moving from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced speaker.

The CEO decided to continue (or 'sustain') the current growth strategy for another year.

Maintain vs. Continue: 'Maintain' focuses on keeping the same quality or level. 'Continue' focuses on the duration.
Endure vs. Continue: 'Endure' implies that the continuation is difficult or painful. 'The pain continued' vs. 'He endured the pain.'

We will continue (or 'carry on') as planned, regardless of the weather forecast.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root of 'continue' is the same as the root for 'contain' (Latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'). So, 'continue' literally means 'to hold together' through time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kənˈtɪn.juː/

US /kənˈtɪn.ju/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: kun-TIN-yoo.

Rhymes With

Revenue Retinue Avenue Value Menu Issue Tissue Virtue

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first syllable as 'con' (like 'contact') instead of 'kuhn'.
Missing the 'y' sound in the last syllable, making it sound like 'contin-oo'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Failing to reduce the first vowel to a schwa sound.
Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like 'ch'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its frequent use and clear structure.

Writing 2/5

Slightly harder due to the choice between 'to' and '-ing', but both are usually acceptable.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation of the middle syllable can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 1/5

Easily understood in context as it is a high-frequency word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Stop Start Go Work Play

Learn Next

Resume Proceed Persist Maintain Pause

Advanced

Perpetuate Endure Sustain Unabated Continuum

Grammar to Know

Verbs followed by gerund or infinitive

Continue to work / Continue working.

Present Simple for future schedules

The movie continues at 8 PM.

Stative vs. Dynamic verbs

Continue is dynamic and can be used in -ing forms (is continuing).

Imperative mood for directions

Continue straight for one mile.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The rain continues (singular) / The rains continue (plural).

Examples by Level

Please continue your work.

S'il vous plaît, continuez votre travail.

Imperative mood used for instructions.

We continue to walk to the park.

Nous continuons à marcher vers le parc.

Present simple for a current action.

The rain continues today.

La pluie continue aujourd'hui.

Subject-verb agreement (third person singular).

I want to continue this game.

Je veux continuer ce jeu.

Infinitive after the verb 'want'.

They continue playing music.

Ils continuent à jouer de la musique.

Gerund (-ing) after 'continue'.

Does the movie continue now?

Est-ce que le film continue maintenant ?

Question form with 'does'.

She continues to read her book.

Elle continue de lire son livre.

To-infinitive after 'continues'.

Continue straight for two miles.

Continuez tout droit pendant deux milles.

Giving directions using the imperative.

The meeting will continue after lunch.

La réunion continuera après le déjeuner.

Future tense with 'will'.

He continued to work even though he was tired.

Il a continué à travailler même s'il était fatigué.

Past simple tense.

We need to continue our conversation later.

Nous devons continuer notre conversation plus tard.

Modal verb 'need to' followed by infinitive.

The prices continue to rise every month.

Les prix continuent d'augmenter chaque mois.

Present simple for a recurring trend.

She didn't continue her studies at university.

Elle n'a pas continué ses études à l'université.

Negative form in the past simple.

Will you continue to live in London?

Continuerez-vous à vivre à Londres ?

Future question form.

The road continues along the river.

La route continue le long de la rivière.

Describing spatial extension.

Please continue with your story.

S'il vous plaît, continuez votre histoire.

Using 'continue with' for an activity.

The company decided to continue the project despite the costs.

L'entreprise a décidé de continuer le projet malgré les coûts.

Transitive use with a noun phrase object.

If the noise continues, I will call the police.

Si le bruit continue, j'appellerai la police.

First conditional sentence.

She continued to improve her skills through practice.

Elle a continué à améliorer ses compétences par la pratique.

Describing a process of improvement.

The search for the missing hiker continues today.

La recherche du randonneur disparu continue aujourd'hui.

Passive-like meaning in active form.

He continued talking as if nothing had happened.

Il a continué à parler comme si de rien n'était.

Using 'as if' to show manner.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Nous continuerons à surveiller la situation de près.

Formal future promise.

The tradition continues to this day in many villages.

La tradition continue jusqu'à ce jour dans de nombreux villages.

Describing cultural persistence.

I hope our friendship will continue for many years.

J'espère que notre amitié continuera pendant de nombreuses années.

Expressing a hope for the future.

The government will continue to provide support for small businesses.

Le gouvernement continuera à apporter son soutien aux petites entreprises.

Formal policy statement.

The conflict continued unabated for several years.

Le conflit s'est poursuivi sans relâche pendant plusieurs années.

Using the adverb 'unabated' for intensity.

We must continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.

Nous devons continuer à viser l'excellence dans tout ce que nous faisons.

Inspirational tone with modal 'must'.

The scientist continued her research despite the lack of funding.

La scientifique a continué ses recherches malgré le manque de financement.

Showing persistence against obstacles.

The story continues in the sequel, which will be released next year.

L'histoire continue dans la suite, qui sortira l'année prochaine.

Describing narrative continuity.

If you continue to ignore the warnings, there will be consequences.

Si vous continuez à ignorer les avertissements, il y aura des conséquences.

Conditional warning.

The legacy of the artist continues to inspire new generations.

L'héritage de l'artiste continue d'inspirer les nouvelles générations.

Abstract subject 'legacy'.

The road continues to wind through the mountains for miles.

La route continue de serpenter à travers les montagnes sur des kilomètres.

Using 'wind' as a verb of motion.

The debate over climate change continues to dominate political discourse.

Le débat sur le changement climatique continue de dominer le discours politique.

Academic/Journalistic register.

She continued her pursuit of justice, even when all seemed lost.

Elle a poursuivi sa quête de justice, même quand tout semblait perdu.

Elevated vocabulary ('pursuit of justice').

The silence continued, broken only by the ticking of the clock.

Le silence continuait, seulement rompu par le tic-tac de l'horloge.

Literary description of atmosphere.

The author continues to explore themes of identity and belonging in his latest novel.

L'auteur continue d'explorer les thèmes de l'identité et de l'appartenance dans son dernier roman.

Literary analysis.

The investigation will continue until every lead has been exhausted.

L'enquête se poursuivra jusqu'à ce que toutes les pistes aient été épuisées.

Future passive meaning.

He continued to maintain his innocence throughout the entire trial.

Il a continué à clamer son innocence tout au long du procès.

Describing a persistent stance.

The trend of urbanization continues to accelerate in developing nations.

La tendance à l'urbanisation continue de s'accélérer dans les pays en développement.

Sociological observation.

The music continued to play in his mind long after the concert had ended.

La musique continuait de résonner dans son esprit longtemps après la fin du concert.

Metaphorical use of 'continue'.

The human spirit continues to strive for meaning in an indifferent universe.

L'esprit humain continue de lutter pour trouver un sens dans un univers indifférent.

Philosophical register.

The implications of this discovery continue to reverberate throughout the scientific community.

Les implications de cette découverte continuent de se répercuter dans toute la communauté scientifique.

High-level metaphorical verb 'reverberate'.

Despite the passage of time, the scars of the war continue to haunt the survivors.

Malgré le passage du temps, les cicatrices de la guerre continuent de hanter les survivants.

Deeply emotional and abstract usage.

The text continues a long tradition of philosophical inquiry into the nature of reality.

Le texte s'inscrit dans une longue tradition d'enquête philosophique sur la nature de la réalité.

Academic lineage description.

The cycle of life and death continues, unabated by human intervention.

Le cycle de la vie et de la mort continue, sans être freiné par l'intervention humaine.

Universal/Natural law description.

He continued to refine his theory, incorporating new data as it became available.

Il a continué à affiner sa théorie, en y intégrant de nouvelles données au fur et à mesure qu'elles devenaient disponibles.

Describing intellectual evolution.

The echoes of the past continue to shape the political landscape of today.

Les échos du passé continuent de façonner le paysage politique d'aujourd'hui.

Historical/Political metaphor.

The artist's work continues to challenge our perceptions of beauty and truth.

L'œuvre de l'artiste continue de remettre en question nos perceptions de la beauté et de la vérité.

Aesthetic analysis.

Synonyms

keep on proceed persist carry on sustain maintain

Antonyms

stop finish cease

Common Collocations

continue working

continue to grow

continue the search

continue straight

continue a tradition

continue the discussion

continue to rise

continue unabated

continue to exist

continue the fight

Common Phrases

To be continued

— Used at the end of a story or show to indicate that more is coming later.

The episode ended with a 'To be continued' message.

Continue as normal

— To keep doing things the way they are usually done, without change.

After the power cut, life continued as normal.

Continue with caution

— To keep going but to be very careful because of potential danger.

The road is slippery, so please continue with caution.

Continue to the end

— To finish a task or journey completely without stopping.

He was determined to continue to the end of the race.

Continue where we left off

— To start again from the exact point where an activity was stopped.

Let's continue where we left off in the last meeting.

Continue indefinitely

— To keep going for an unknown or unlimited amount of time.

The strike could continue indefinitely if no deal is reached.

Continue the legacy

— To keep up the work or reputation of someone who came before.

She wants to continue her father's legacy in medicine.

Continue to struggle

— To keep having a hard time with something over a period of time.

Many families continue to struggle with high rent.

Continue on your way

— To keep moving toward your destination after a brief stop.

After a quick coffee, we continued on our way.

Continue at this rate

— To keep doing something at the current speed or frequency.

If we continue at this rate, we will finish early.

Often Confused With

continue vs Continuous

Continuous is an adjective (an action that doesn't stop), while continue is the verb.

continue vs Continual

Continual means happening many times, while continue means not stopping or starting again.

continue vs Contain

Though they share a root, contain means to hold something inside, not to keep going.

Idioms & Expressions

"Continue down that path"

— To keep making the same choices or behaving in the same way, often with a negative result.

If you continue down that path, you will get into trouble.

Informal

"Continue the trend"

— To follow a pattern that has already been established.

The new model continues the trend of being lighter and faster.

Neutral

"Continue the momentum"

— To keep the energy or speed of a successful project or movement going.

We need to continue the momentum from our last sale.

Business

"Continue the conversation"

— To keep talking about a topic, often in a different setting or at a later time.

Let's continue the conversation over dinner.

Social

"Continue to the bitter end"

— To keep doing something until it is completely finished, even if it is very difficult or unpleasant.

They fought to continue the project to the bitter end.

Idiomatic

"Continue in the same vein"

— To keep doing or saying things in the same style or manner.

His second book continues in the same vein as his first.

Literary

"Continue to haunt"

— When a past mistake or bad memory keeps affecting someone in the present.

The memory of that day continues to haunt him.

Metaphorical

"Continue the charade"

— To keep pretending that something is true when it is actually a lie.

How long can they continue this charade?

Informal

"Continue to defy"

— To keep resisting or going against expectations or rules.

The small team continues to defy the odds and win.

Neutral

"Continue to plague"

— When a problem keeps causing trouble for a long time.

Technical issues continue to plague the new system.

Neutral

Easily Confused

continue vs Resume

Both mean to start again.

Resume specifically implies there was a break. Continue can mean there was no break at all.

We will resume the meeting after lunch. The rain continued all day.

continue vs Proceed

Both mean to move forward.

Proceed is much more formal and often implies following a specific set of rules or steps.

Please proceed to the checkout. We continued walking.

continue vs Persist

Both mean to keep going.

Persist often implies that there is something difficult or annoying that won't stop.

The cough persisted for weeks. He continued to play the piano.

continue vs Maintain

Both involve keeping something going.

Maintain focuses on keeping a level or quality the same. Continue focuses on the time.

Maintain your speed. Continue your journey.

continue vs Last

Both describe duration.

Last describes the total time of an event. Continue describes the act of not stopping.

The movie lasts two hours. The rain continues to fall.

Sentence Patterns

Continue + [noun]

Continue your work.

Continue + [verb]-ing

Continue + to + [verb]

Continue to study.

Continue + [adverb]

Continue straight.

Continue + with + [noun]

Continue with the plan.

Continue + [noun] + [prepositional phrase]

Continue the search in the forest.

Continue + [adjective] (as a state)

The situation continues uncertain.

Continue + [complex clause]

The debate continues as to whether the policy is effective.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 1000 words in English)

Common Mistakes

Continue at reading. → Continue reading.
You don't need a preposition like 'at' or 'in' before the gerund form of a verb after 'continue.'
We will continue again tomorrow. → We will continue tomorrow.
The word 'continue' already implies that the action will happen again or keep going, so 'again' is redundant.
He continued on his work. → He continued his work.
While 'continue on' is common in speech, 'on' is usually unnecessary and should be avoided in formal writing.
The rain continued for three days ago. → The rain continued for three days.
'For' is used for duration, while 'ago' is used for a point in time. You cannot use them together like this.
I will continue at the hotel. → I will stay at the hotel.
'Continue' describes an action or a state of being, not a physical location. Use 'stay' for locations.

Tips

To vs -ing

Don't stress about choosing between 'continue to do' and 'continue doing.' They are interchangeable in 99% of situations. Just pick one and be consistent!

Formal vs Informal

Use 'continue' in your essays and emails, but feel free to use 'keep on' or 'go on' when you are chatting with your friends.

Stress the Middle

Always put the emphasis on the 'TIN' part of the word. Saying 'CON-tinue' will make you sound like a non-native speaker.

Avoid Redundancy

Try to avoid saying 'continue again' or 'continue on.' The word 'continue' already has those meanings built-in, so adding extra words makes your writing cluttered.

Polite Interruption

If you accidentally interrupt someone, say 'I'm sorry, please continue.' It is a very polite and professional way to give them the floor back.

Context Clues

When you see 'continue' in a book, look for words like 'still,' 'yet,' or 'despite' nearby. These words often help explain why the action is continuing.

Schwa Sound

The first 'o' in 'continue' is a schwa sound (/ə/). It is very short and sounds like 'uh.' Practice saying 'kuhn' instead of 'con.'

Project Management

In business, 'continue' is often used to talk about 'momentum.' Use it to show that a project is moving forward successfully.

Clear Guidance

When giving directions, 'continue' is better than 'go' because it tells the person to keep doing exactly what they are already doing.

Lifelong Learning

The phrase 'continue your education' doesn't just mean university; it means keeping your mind active throughout your whole life.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CON-TIN-ue' as a 'CONtainer' of 'TIN' that never ends. It just keeps going and going like a long tin pipe.

Visual Association

Imagine a green 'Play' button on a video player. When you press it, the movie continues. The green color represents the 'go' signal.

Word Web

Keep Go on Stay Resume Persist Endure Maintain Proceed

Challenge

Try to use the word 'continue' three times in your next conversation, once to describe a habit, once to give a direction, and once to ask someone to keep talking.

Word Origin

The word 'continue' comes from the Old French word 'continuer', which was derived from the Latin 'continuare'. This Latin verb was formed from 'continuus', meaning 'joining together' or 'uninterrupted'.

Original meaning: To join together, to make continuous, or to stay in one place.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch (Latin).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities associated with this word, as it is a neutral functional verb.

The phrase 'Keep Calm and Carry On' is a cultural icon that embodies the British 'stiff upper lip' and the value of continuing despite hardship.

The 'To be continued...' title card in 'Back to the Future'. The 'Continue?' screen in 'Street Fighter II'. The song 'The Song That Never Ends' which 'just goes on and on, my friends'. Winston Churchill's quote: 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Directions

Continue straight ahead.
Continue for two miles.
Continue past the church.
Continue until the roundabout.

Meetings

Let's continue the meeting.
We will continue after the break.
Please continue your point.
Can we continue this tomorrow?

Habits

I want to continue exercising.
She continues to smoke.
He continues to improve.
We must continue to learn.

Weather

The rain will continue.
The heatwave continues.
Storms continued all night.
Will the snow continue?

Storytelling

The story continues...
He continued his journey.
She continued to wait.
They continued their search.

Conversation Starters

"Do you plan to continue your current job for a long time?"

"If you had a free day, would you continue a hobby or start something new?"

"Should we continue this conversation over a cup of coffee?"

"How do you stay motivated to continue working when you are tired?"

"Will the current weather continue for the rest of the week, do you think?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a project you want to continue working on this year and why it is important to you.

Describe a time when you had to continue doing something even though it was very difficult.

What is a family tradition that you would like to continue for the next generation?

If you could continue your education in any subject, what would it be and why?

Reflect on a habit you have continued for many years. How has it shaped your life?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct! There is almost no difference in meaning. 'Continue working' is slightly more common in casual speech, while 'continue to work' can sound a bit more formal. You can use whichever one you prefer.

Yes, you can, but the 'on' is usually redundant. In formal writing, it is better to just say 'continue.' For example, 'We continued our journey' is better than 'We continued on our journey.'

Resume means to start again after a break. Continue can mean starting again after a break, but it can also mean never stopping in the first place. If you want to be very clear that there was a break, use 'resume.'

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly fine to use in casual conversation, but it is also the preferred word in formal reports and academic writing, where 'keep' might be too informal.

The 'u' is pronounced like the word 'you' (/ju/). So the word sounds like 'kuhn-TIN-yoo.' Make sure you don't say 'contin-oo.'

Yes! You can use it to describe a road, a fence, or a line that keeps going. For example, 'The road continues for ten miles.'

The most common opposite is 'stop.' Other opposites include 'cease,' 'quit,' 'halt,' and 'end.'

Yes, the past tense is 'continued.' For example, 'The noise continued all night.' It is a regular verb, so you just add '-ed.'

Yes, 'continuing' is the present participle and can also be used as an adjective. For example, 'The continuing search for the missing plane.'

It is a phrase used at the end of a story or a TV show to tell the audience that the story is not finished and will be completed in the next part.