Continual vs Repeated: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Continual refers to events that occur intermittently at frequent intervals, while repeated is a general term for events that happen over and over again.
Memory Tip: continual = constant interruptions, repeated = happens again
continual has /əl/ sound, repeated has /ɪd/ sound
continual /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/
adjectiveHappening repeatedly over a period of time, often in a way that is annoying or not wanted.
Example:
Although the continual noise from the construction site has been disturbing, it is expected to last for another month.
Common patterns:
continual improvement
continual process
continual change
repeated
adjectiveThe word "repeated" means something that happens more than once.
Example:
Although the instructions have been repeated several times, there are still some students who find them confusing.
Common patterns:
repeated questions
repeated mistakes
repeated attempts
Common Mistakes
The repeated interruptions during the meeting made it hard to focus.
The continual interruptions during the meeting made it hard to focus.
Continual is used because the interruptions occurred intermittently at frequent intervals.
The continual ringing of the phone was annoying.
The repeated ringing of the phone was annoying.
Repeated is appropriate because the phone rang over and over again without necessarily being intermittent.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. Although the ____ noise from the construction site has been disturbing, it is expected to last for another month.
2. Although the instructions have been ____ several times, there are still some students who find them confusing.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse continual / repeated again
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