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B1 verb #43 most common 8 min read

continues

To continue means to keep doing something or to allow an action or state to persist without stopping. It describes the act of proceeding with an activity or maintaining a situation over a period of time.

Top 43

At the A1 level, 'continues' is a word you might see in simple stories or instructions. It means that something does not stop. For example, if you are reading a book and you see 'The story continues on page 10,' it means you need to go to that page to keep reading. It is like the 'Go' signal in a traffic light that stays green. You use it for simple things like 'The rain continues' or 'He continues to walk.' It is important to remember the 's' at the end when you talk about one person or one thing. It is a very useful word to show that an action is still happening right now. You might also see it on TV when a show stops for a commercial and then starts again. It helps you understand that the action is not finished yet. Think of it as 'keep going.' If you are learning English, this is one of the first verbs you will learn to describe time and how things stay the same over a few minutes or hours.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'continues' in more varied sentences. You might use it to talk about your hobbies or daily routines. For example, 'She continues her English lessons every Monday.' This shows a habit that has not stopped. You also learn that 'continues' can be followed by 'to' and another verb, like 'He continues to play football.' This is a very common pattern. You might hear it in weather reports, such as 'The sun continues to shine today.' It is a step up from just saying 'It is sunny' because it tells us that it was sunny before and it is still sunny now. You can also use it to describe paths or roads, like 'The road continues to the park.' This helps you give directions. At this level, you should focus on making sure you use 'continues' with singular subjects (he, she, it, the dog, the bus) and 'continue' with plural subjects (they, we, the people).

At the B1 level, 'continues' becomes a tool for describing trends and ongoing situations in more detail. You are expected to use it in both speaking and writing to show continuity. For instance, in a workplace context, you might say, 'The company continues to expand its market share.' This shows a sophisticated understanding of business growth. You also begin to see 'continues' in more formal contexts, like news articles or academic texts. It is often used to describe social or political issues: 'The debate continues regarding environmental policies.' At this level, you should be comfortable using 'continues' with both the infinitive ('continues to work') and the gerund ('continues working'). You also learn to use it with prepositions like 'as' to describe roles, such as 'He continues as the team captain.' This level requires you to understand the nuance between 'continues' and similar words like 'remains' or 'stays,' choosing 'continues' when the focus is on the progression of an action.

At the B2 level, you use 'continues' to express complex ideas about persistence and duration. You might use it in argumentative essays to describe an ongoing problem: 'The inequality continues to affect the economy.' You understand that 'continues' can imply a resumption after an interruption, and you can use it to structure a narrative effectively. For example, 'The author continues the narrative by introducing a new character.' You are also aware of more advanced collocations, such as 'continues unabated' or 'continues indefinitely.' Your usage of the word is now more precise; you know when to use 'continues' to sound professional and when to use phrasal verbs like 'carries on' to sound more natural in conversation. You can also use 'continues' in the passive voice or in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'The policy continues to be implemented despite criticism.' This shows a high level of control over the word's various functions in the English language.

At the C1 level, your use of 'continues' is nuanced and stylistically varied. You recognize that 'continues' can be used to create specific rhetorical effects. For instance, you might use it to emphasize the relentless nature of a process: 'The erosion of the coastline continues at an alarming rate.' You are also adept at using the word in academic and legal registers, where it might describe the validity of a statute or the persistence of a philosophical tradition. You understand the subtle differences between 'continues,' 'persists,' 'endures,' and 'perseveres,' and you choose the one that best fits the tone of your discourse. You might use 'continues' in a metaphorical sense, such as 'The melody continues to haunt him,' showing a deep understanding of how the word can be applied to abstract concepts. Your ability to integrate 'continues' into complex, multi-clause sentences is a hallmark of this level, allowing you to maintain a sophisticated flow in your writing and speech.

At the C2 level, 'continues' is a word you use with complete mastery, often in highly specialized or literary contexts. You might use it to discuss the continuity of historical narratives or the persistence of complex scientific phenomena. For example, 'The cosmic background radiation continues to provide clues about the early universe.' You are sensitive to the word's rhythm and how it contributes to the overall cadence of a sentence. You can use it to express irony or understatement, such as 'The misunderstanding continues,' implying a long and complicated history. You are also familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word and can identify them in classical literature. Your command of collocations is exhaustive, and you can use 'continues' in conjunction with sophisticated adverbs to convey precise meanings. At this level, 'continues' is not just a verb; it is a versatile instrument that you use to craft precise, elegant, and impactful communication in any setting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

continues in 30 Seconds

Continues is a verb that describes an action or state that does not stop or starts again after a pause.
It is the third-person singular form, used with subjects like he, she, it, or singular nouns.
Commonly followed by 'to' + verb or a verb ending in '-ing' to show ongoing activity.
Frequently used in news, weather reports, and daily conversation to describe trends and persistence.

The word continues is the third-person singular present form of the verb 'continue'. At its core, it signifies the act of persistence, the lack of interruption, or the resumption of an activity after a brief pause. When we say something continues, we are highlighting that a state or action is not ending; it is moving forward through time. This word is essential because it bridges the gap between the start of an action and its eventual conclusion, focusing entirely on the middle phase of existence or activity.

Persistence of Action: This refers to an activity that does not stop. For example, 'The rain continues to fall' implies a steady, unbroken downpour that began in the past and is still happening now.

In everyday conversation, people use 'continues' to describe ongoing trends, weather patterns, or personal habits. It carries a sense of momentum. If a company's stock price continues to rise, it suggests a positive trend that has not yet peaked. If a child continues to cry, it suggests a state of distress that has not been resolved. The word is versatile, appearing in both mundane contexts (like a movie continuing after an intermission) and high-stakes scenarios (like a diplomatic negotiation that continues despite disagreements).

The investigation continues as new evidence comes to light.

Resumption: Sometimes 'continues' implies starting again after a stop. 'The show continues after the break' tells the audience that the interruption is temporary.

Furthermore, 'continues' is often used in professional reporting. News anchors frequently say, 'The search for the missing hiker continues,' which provides a status update that implies effort is still being expended. It is a word of status and duration. It answers the question: 'Is it still happening?' with a definitive 'Yes'.

She continues to inspire her students every single day.

Formal Usage: In legal or academic writing, 'continues' might describe the validity of a contract or the persistence of a physical law. 'The agreement continues in force until 2030.'

The road continues for another ten miles before reaching the coast.

The tradition continues in many rural villages.

The melody continues softly in the background.

Using continues correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns. It is most commonly followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb) or a gerund (verb + '-ing'). Both forms are often interchangeable, though some speakers feel the gerund emphasizes the action itself, while the infinitive emphasizes the intent or the fact of the continuation.

Pattern 1: Continues + To + Verb: This is the most common structure. Example: 'He continues to work hard.' It suggests a habitual or ongoing effort.

When using 'continues' with a physical path or extension, no following verb is needed. You can simply say, 'The path continues through the woods.' Here, the verb describes the spatial extent of an object. This is a very common way to describe geography, architecture, or directions.

The debate continues over the new tax laws.

Pattern 2: Continues + Verb-ing: Example: 'She continues reading even when it gets dark.' This emphasizes the fluidity of the action.

Another important usage is 'continues as'. This is used to describe a role or status that remains unchanged. For instance, 'She continues as the CEO of the company.' This indicates that despite potential changes elsewhere, her position remains the same. Similarly, 'continues until' sets a boundary for the action: 'The sale continues until Sunday.'

The noise continues to bother the neighbors.

Pattern 3: Intransitive Use: Using the word alone at the end of a sentence or clause. Example: 'The story continues...' This creates suspense or indicates more is to come.

The conflict continues despite peace talks.

The trend continues to favor small businesses.

Life continues after a loss.

You will encounter continues in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the evening news to the workplace and even in literature. Its frequency in the English language is high because it is the standard way to describe the ongoing nature of reality. In a professional environment, you might hear a manager say, 'Our commitment to quality continues to be our top priority.' This reinforces the company's values and reassures stakeholders that standards are not slipping.

In News and Media: Journalists use 'continues' to provide updates on long-term events. 'The trial continues tomorrow' or 'The strike continues into its third week.'

In the world of entertainment, specifically television and books, 'continues' is a structural word. Think of the phrase 'To be continued...' at the end of a cliffhanger episode. It promises the viewer that the narrative journey isn't over. In academic lectures, a professor might say, 'The author continues this theme in the second chapter,' helping students track the development of ideas across a text.

The heatwave continues to break records across the country.

In Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists use it to describe persistent conditions. 'The dry spell continues for the foreseeable future.'

In medical contexts, a doctor might note that a patient 'continues to improve,' which is a positive indicator of recovery. Conversely, if a symptom 'continues,' it might be a cause for concern. The word is objective; it simply reports the status of a situation without necessarily adding emotional weight, though the context around it provides that meaning.

The search for a cure continues in labs worldwide.

The movie continues right where the last one left off.

The debate continues in the halls of parliament.

Even though continues is a common word, learners often make specific errors when using it. The most frequent mistake is related to subject-verb agreement. Because the word ends in 's', some learners confuse it with a plural noun or forget to add the 's' when the subject is singular. Remember: 'He continues' (Correct) vs 'He continue' (Incorrect).

Confusion with 'Lasts': Learners sometimes say 'The meeting continues for two hours' when they mean 'The meeting lasts for two hours.' 'Lasts' describes the total duration, while 'continues' describes the ongoing process.

Another common error is the misuse of prepositions. While 'continues to' and 'continues with' are correct, learners sometimes try to use 'continues at' or 'continues for' in ways that sound unnatural. For example, 'He continues at his work' is less common than 'He continues with his work' or 'He continues working.'

Incorrect: The rain continue to fall.
Correct: The rain continues to fall.

Redundancy: Avoid saying 'continues to go on.' Since 'continues' already means 'to go on,' adding 'to go on' is redundant and makes the sentence clunky.

There is also a subtle confusion between 'continues' and 'resumes'. If an action was stopped and then started again, 'resumes' is often more precise. However, 'continues' is acceptable if you are focusing on the fact that the action is happening again. For example, 'The game continues' is fine after a break, but 'The game resumes' specifically highlights the restart.

Incorrect: She continues her journey after she stopped for lunch. (Better: resumes)
Correct: She continues her journey.

The noise continues without stopping.

The tradition continues today.

While continues is a great all-purpose word, English offers many synonyms that can add nuance to your writing. Depending on whether you want to emphasize persistence, speed, or a formal tone, you might choose a different term. Understanding these alternatives will help you avoid repetition and make your descriptions more vivid.

Persists: Use 'persists' when something continues despite opposition or difficulty. 'The cough persists despite the medicine.' It often has a slightly negative or stubborn connotation.

If you are talking about a physical movement or a formal process, 'proceeds' is a sophisticated alternative. 'The ceremony proceeds as planned.' This sounds more organized and official than 'continues.' For something that stays in the same state, 'remains' is often better. 'The weather remains cold' is more natural than 'The weather continues cold.'

The project proceeds to the next phase.

Endures: Use 'endures' for something that continues for a very long time, especially through hardship. 'His legacy endures centuries later.'

In informal settings, we often use phrasal verbs like 'keeps on' or 'carries on.' 'He keeps on talking' is a common way to say 'He continues to talk' in casual conversation. 'Carries on' is very common in British English. 'She just carries on regardless' means she continues what she is doing no matter what happens.

The noise persists throughout the night.

The tradition survives in the modern era.

The work goes on despite the challenges.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'tenere' (to hold) is also found in words like 'tenant', 'tent', and 'tenacious'. All these words relate to the idea of holding onto something!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kənˈtɪn.juːz/

US /kənˈtɪn.juz/

Second syllable (con-TIN-ues)

Rhymes With

avenues revenues residues retinues sinews menus venues tenues

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'con-ti-noos' (forgetting the 'y' sound).
Putting stress on the first syllable 'CON-tin-ues'.
Dropping the final 's' sound.
Confusing the 'u' sound with 'oo'.
Pronouncing the 'con' as 'can'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a common verb.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement (the 's').

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily speech with simple patterns.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though the 's' can sometimes be soft.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

go stop start keep work

Learn Next

persist resume maintain endure proceed

Advanced

persevere unabated perpetuate protracted ceaseless

Grammar to Know

Third-person singular present tense

He continues (not 'He continue').

Gerund vs Infinitive after 'continue'

Continues to work / Continues working (both are correct).

Intransitive vs Transitive

The road continues (intransitive) / He continues the work (transitive).

Subject-Verb Agreement with collective nouns

The team continues to play well (singular team).

Using 'continues' for spatial extension

The fence continues along the border.

Examples by Level

The rain continues to fall.

La pluie continue de tomber.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'continue'.

He continues his walk.

Il continue sa marche.

Direct object 'his walk' follows the verb.

The story continues on page five.

L'histoire continue à la page cinq.

Intransitive use followed by a prepositional phrase.

She continues to read her book.

Elle continue de lire son livre.

'Continues' followed by the infinitive 'to read'.

The movie continues after the break.

Le film continue après la pause.

Describes resumption after an interruption.

The cat continues to sleep.

Le chat continue de dormir.

Singular subject 'The cat' takes 'continues'.

The music continues softly.

La musique continue doucement.

Modified by the adverb 'softly'.

The road continues to the city.

La route continue jusqu'à la ville.

Describes spatial extension.

The teacher continues the lesson.

L'enseignant continue la leçon.

Transitive use with a direct object.

He continues working in the garden.

Il continue à travailler dans le jardin.

'Continues' followed by the gerund 'working'.

The sun continues to shine all day.

Le soleil continue de briller toute la journée.

Indicates a persistent state.

She continues to learn English every day.

Elle continue d'apprendre l'anglais chaque jour.

Describes a habitual action.

The game continues after the rain stops.

Le jeu continue après l'arrêt de la pluie.

Resumption after a weather delay.

The bus continues to the next station.

Le bus continue jusqu'à la prochaine station.

Describes a route.

The noise continues to be very loud.

Le bruit continue d'être très fort.

Followed by 'to be' + adjective.

He continues as the class leader.

Il continue en tant que chef de classe.

Uses 'as' to describe a role.

The company continues to grow every year.

L'entreprise continue de croître chaque année.

Describes a business trend.

The search for the lost keys continues.

La recherche des clés perdues continue.

Subject is a noun phrase 'The search for the lost keys'.

She continues to struggle with her math homework.

Elle continue de lutter avec ses devoirs de maths.

Describes a persistent difficulty.

The debate continues over the new law.

Le débat continue sur la nouvelle loi.

Followed by the preposition 'over'.

He continues to support his favorite team.

Il continue de soutenir son équipe préférée.

Indicates loyalty over time.

The tradition continues in the small village.

La tradition continue dans le petit village.

Describes cultural persistence.

The water continues to rise after the storm.

L'eau continue de monter après la tempête.

Describes a physical process.

The actor continues his career in Hollywood.

L'acteur continue sa carrière à Hollywood.

Transitive use with 'career' as the object.

The economic crisis continues to affect small businesses.

La crise économique continue d'affecter les petites entreprises.

Complex subject 'The economic crisis'.

The scientist continues her research into climate change.

La scientifique continue ses recherches sur le changement climatique.

Transitive use with a prepositional phrase.

The conflict continues despite several peace talks.

Le conflit continue malgré plusieurs pourparlers de paix.

Contrastive use with 'despite'.

The trend continues to favor online shopping.

La tendance continue de favoriser les achats en ligne.

Describes a market shift.

The author continues the story in the next volume.

L'auteur continue l'histoire dans le volume suivant.

Describes narrative progression.

The patient continues to show signs of improvement.

Le patient continue de montrer des signes d'amélioration.

Medical context for ongoing status.

The law continues in force until a new one is passed.

La loi continue d'être en vigueur jusqu'à ce qu'une nouvelle soit adoptée.

Formal legal usage 'continues in force'.

The investigation continues to uncover new evidence.

L'enquête continue de découvrir de nouvelles preuves.

Indicates progress in a process.

The erosion of civil liberties continues to be a major concern.

L'érosion des libertés civiles continue d'être une préoccupation majeure.

Abstract subject and formal tone.

The legacy of the artist continues to inspire new generations.

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

Metaphorical use of 'continues'.

The dispute continues unabated despite the mediator's efforts.

Le différend se poursuit sans relâche malgré les efforts du médiateur.

Uses the advanced adverb 'unabated'.

The road continues indefinitely into the desert.

La route continue indéfiniment dans le désert.

Uses the adverb 'indefinitely' to show vastness.

The experiment continues to yield fascinating results.

L'expérience continue de donner des résultats fascinants.

Formal academic context.

The narrative continues to weave together multiple perspectives.

Le récit continue de tisser ensemble plusieurs perspectives.

Literary analysis usage.

The pressure continues to mount on the government to act.

La pression continue de monter sur le gouvernement pour qu'il agisse.

Idiomatic use 'pressure continues to mount'.

The tradition continues as a testament to their cultural heritage.

La tradition continue comme un témoignage de leur patrimoine culturel.

Formal explanatory usage.

The dialogue continues to serve as a cornerstone of modern diplomacy.

Le dialogue continue de servir de pierre angulaire à la diplomatie moderne.

Highly formal and metaphorical.

The phenomenon continues to baffle even the most seasoned experts.

Le phénomène continue de dérouter même les experts les plus chevronnés.

Advanced vocabulary like 'baffle' and 'seasoned'.

The project continues in earnest after the initial delays.

Le projet se poursuit sérieusement après les retards initiaux.

Uses the idiomatic phrase 'in earnest'.

The struggle for equality continues to resonate across the globe.

La lutte pour l'égalité continue de résonner à travers le monde.

Uses 'resonate' in a sociological context.

The ambiguity of the text continues to invite multiple interpretations.

L'ambiguïté du texte continue d'inviter de multiples interprétations.

Academic literary criticism.

The expansion of the universe continues at an accelerating pace.

L'expansion de l'univers se poursuit à un rythme accéléré.

Scientific context with technical phrasing.

The influence of the philosopher continues to permeate modern thought.

L'influence du philosophe continue d'imprégner la pensée moderne.

Uses 'permeate' to describe intellectual influence.

The saga continues with this latest installment in the series.

La saga continue avec ce dernier volet de la série.

Uses 'saga' and 'installment' for narrative depth.

Common Collocations

continues to grow

continues unabated

continues indefinitely

continues as planned

continues to be

search continues

tradition continues

debate continues

story continues

work continues

Common Phrases

To be continued

Life continues

The beat continues

As the saga continues

The search continues

The struggle continues

The rain continues

The road continues

The trend continues

Work continues

Often Confused With

continues vs lasts

'Lasts' refers to the total time duration, while 'continues' refers to the ongoing action.

continues vs stays

'Stays' usually refers to remaining in a place, while 'continues' refers to an action or state.

continues vs resumes

'Resumes' specifically means starting again after a stop, while 'continues' can mean that too, but is broader.

Idioms & Expressions

"The show must go on"

An idiom meaning that whatever happens, the planned event must continue.

Even though the lead actor is sick, the show must go on.

informal/professional

"Carry on regardless"

To continue doing something despite difficulties.

It was raining, but they carried on regardless.

informal

"Keep the ball rolling"

To make sure an activity or process continues.

We need to keep the ball rolling on this project.

informal

"Business as usual"

Continuing with normal activities despite a change or problem.

After the fire, it was business as usual the next day.

neutral

"Keep on keeping on"

A casual way to encourage someone to persist.

Just keep on keeping on, and you'll get there.

informal

"Pick up where one left off"

To continue something after a break.

Let's pick up where we left off yesterday.

informal

"Stay the course"

To continue with a plan or strategy even if it is difficult.

The investors decided to stay the course.

formal

"Keep at it"

To continue working hard at something.

Learning English is hard, but if you keep at it, you will succeed.

informal

"Go the distance"

To continue until the very end of a difficult task.

He has the stamina to go the distance in this marathon.

informal

"Run its course"

To continue until a natural end is reached.

The fever will have to run its course.

neutral

Easily Confused

continues vs continuous

It is the adjective form.

Continues is a verb (action), while continuous is an adjective (description).

The rain continues (verb). It is continuous rain (adjective).

continues vs continual

Similar meaning but different usage.

Continuous means without any stop. Continual means happening many times with short breaks.

The noise was continual all day.

continues vs proceeds

Both mean to go forward.

Proceeds is more formal and often used for official steps or movements.

The parade proceeds down the street.

continues vs persists

Both mean to keep going.

Persists implies continuing despite a problem or difficulty.

The cold weather persists.

continues vs remains

Both describe a state that doesn't change.

Remains focuses on the state itself, while continues focuses on the flow of time.

He remains happy.

Sentence Patterns

The [Noun] continues.

The rain continues.

He/She continues to [Verb].

She continues to sing.

The [Noun] continues to [Verb].

The company continues to grow.

It continues as [Noun].

It continues as a mystery.

The [Noun] continues [Adverb].

The search continues indefinitely.

The [Abstract Noun] continues to [Verb].

The erosion of trust continues to spread.

The [Noun] continues in [Noun Phrase].

The project continues in earnest.

The [Noun] continues unabated.

The storm continues unabated.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

He continue to work. → He continues to work.
The subject 'He' is third-person singular, so the verb must have an 's'.
The meeting continues for two hours. → The meeting lasts for two hours.
Use 'lasts' to describe the total duration of an event.
She continues to go on reading. → She continues reading.
Adding 'to go on' is redundant because 'continues' already means 'to go on'.
The road continues at the city. → The road continues to the city.
Use the preposition 'to' to show the destination or extent of a road.
The search continue for the keys. → The search continues for the keys.
The subject 'The search' is singular, so the verb needs an 's'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always check if your subject is singular. If it is 'he', 'she', 'it', or a singular noun like 'the rain', use 'continues'.

Use Synonyms

To sound more advanced, use 'persists' for problems or 'proceeds' for formal events instead of always using 'continues'.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'continues to go on'. Just say 'continues' or 'goes on'. This makes your writing cleaner.

Pronunciation

Remember the 'y' sound in the middle: /kən-TIN-yooz/. It's not 'con-ti-noos'.

Context Clues

In news reports, 'continues' often signals that a situation is still the same as before. It's a key word for status updates.

Spatial Extension

When reading about geography or travel, 'continues' often describes where a path or road leads.

Business English

Use 'continues' to describe positive trends in reports, such as 'Growth continues to exceed expectations'.

Storytelling

Use 'The story continues...' to build suspense at the end of a section or chapter.

Research

In science, use 'continues' to describe ongoing observations or the persistence of a physical law.

Weather

Use 'The rain continues' instead of 'It is still raining' to sound slightly more descriptive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CON' (with) 'TIN' (can) that 'UES' (uses) its strength to keep going. A tin can that keeps rolling continues its journey.

Visual Association

Imagine a long, straight road that goes over a hill and disappears into the distance. That road continues.

Word Web

persist remain proceed resume stay last endure survive

Challenge

Try to use 'continues' in three different sentences today: one about the weather, one about your work, and one about a story.

Word Origin

The word 'continues' comes from the Latin verb 'continuare', which means 'to join together' or 'to make continuous'. This Latin root is formed from 'con-' (together) and 'tenere' (to hold). So, literally, it means 'to hold together'.

Original meaning: To hold together in an unbroken sequence.

Italic -> Romance -> Old French -> Middle English.

Cultural Context

Generally a neutral word with no specific cultural sensitivities.

The phrase 'To be continued' is iconic in Western television, especially in soap operas and comic books.

The movie title 'The Saga Continues'. The phrase 'And the beat goes on' (similar meaning). The common news headline 'The Search Continues'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

The rain continues.
The heatwave continues.
The storm continues to rage.
Dry weather continues.

Work/Business

Work continues on the project.
The company continues to grow.
She continues as manager.
Production continues as normal.

Stories/Media

The story continues.
To be continued.
The series continues next week.
The narrative continues.

News/Politics

The search continues.
The debate continues.
The strike continues.
The investigation continues.

Personal Life

He continues to study.
She continues her hobby.
Life continues.
The pain continues.

Conversation Starters

"Does the rain usually continue for long in your city?"

"If a movie is boring, do you continue watching it?"

"How do you feel when a story continues in a second book?"

"What is a tradition that continues in your family?"

"Do you think the trend of remote work continues to grow?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a project you are working on that continues to challenge you.

Describe a habit you have that continues to make your life better.

Think of a historical event. How does its influence continue today?

Write about a story you love and why you want it to continue.

Reflect on a time when you had to continue doing something even though it was hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct and often mean the same thing. 'He continues to work' and 'He continues working' are both perfectly natural English sentences.

Use 'continue' for plural subjects (they, we, you, I) and 'continues' for singular subjects (he, she, it, the dog).

Yes, it is very common to say 'The road continues for five miles' to describe its physical path.

The most common opposites are 'stops', 'ends', or 'ceases'.

It is a neutral word. It can be used in casual conversation, but it is also very common in formal news and academic writing.

Yes, this is a very common phrase used at the end of a chapter or episode to create interest.

Not exactly. 'Resumes' means to start again after a stop. 'Continues' can mean that, but it also means to keep going without stopping at all.

The plural is 'continuations'.

Yes, the verb 'continue' is regular. Its forms are continue, continues, continued, and continuing.

Yes, for example: 'The policy continues to be followed by the staff.'