Continual vs Continuous: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Continual" means occurring frequently, while "continuous" is used to describe something that proceeds without interruption.
Memory Tip: continual = happens often, continuous = never stops
continual /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/
adjectiveHappening repeatedly over a period of time, often in a way that is annoying or not wanted.
Example:
The continual interruptions during the meeting made it difficult to maintain a coherent discussion, as opposed to a single, uninterrupted presentation that would have been continuous.
Common patterns:
continual improvement
continual process
continual change
continuous
adjectiveContinuous means something that happens without stopping or without breaks.
Example:
The continuous hum of the machinery in the factory created a background noise that employees eventually learned to ignore.
Common patterns:
continuous process
continuous improvement
continuous support
Common Mistakes
The continuous noise from the construction site is driving me crazy.
The continual noise from the construction site is driving me crazy.
The noise is frequent but not without breaks, so 'continual' is correct.
The river flowed in a continual stream.
The river flowed in a continuous stream.
The river flows without interruption, so 'continuous' is correct.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The ____ interruptions during the meeting made it difficult to maintain a coherent discussion, as opposed to a single, uninterrupted presentation that would have been continuous.
2. The ____ hum of the machinery in the factory created a background noise that employees eventually learned to ignore.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse continual / continuous again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
