Sunday, August 10, 2014

Continual vs. Continuous


Continual and continuous are not interchangeable.


Continual means frequently repeated or recurring. It is generally used for things that happen repeatedly, often irritatingly.

  • Tired of continual interruptions, he switched off his mobile.
  • Her math teacher's continual remarks has impacted her learning process.
  • The minister received continual complaints from the public for the government's handling of the street protests.
  • A successful project is followed by continual review and embracing change.
  • I can't work with these continual interruptions.
Continuous means continuing without stopping, happening or existing without a break or interruption.
  • The power backup provides enough power for unto six hours of continuous use.
  • It was at Frogmore that the world's first machine for making continuous roll of paper was built.
  • The continuous noise from the factory nearby kept him awake all night.
  • Additional leave without pay may be requested up to a continuous period of forty eight weeks.
  • There has been continuous fighting on the border for last 24 hours.