When comparing words like “Continuously vs Continually”, a lot of things will go through your mind. These two words can seem the same but there is a bright difference between them.
The difference between the two words is obvious and understandable, although they are used interchangeably in words and sentences by writers.
As you read and learn more in the English language, one thing I want you to understand is that no one is a master of all; there are times that you have to check the dictionary to confirm the exact meaning of some words due to their complexities.
Continuously vs Continually
What does Continuously mean?
Continuously is an adverb that means “an action that keeps happening without ceasing”. When you talk about continuously, there is no restriction in time or sequence through the course of the action. Its corresponding adjective “continuous” adds quality to a sentence.
Examples:
- Our new HOD continuously lectured for 30 minutes and forgot about the test.
- He hit the bell continuously till the dog started barking.
- If you continuously shout his name, he must hear it.
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Continuously vs Continually
What does Continually mean?
Continually is an adverb that means “an action that recurs frequently or regularly and could exist intervals for interruptions”. Its corresponding adjective “continual” adds quality to a sentence.
Examples:
- To do well as a Health blogger, you need to continually update your articles to avoid google strikes due to algorithm updates.
- If you continually take that course, you will understand it well.
- I have made up my mind to continually call on God in times of trouble.
Continuously vs Continually – How to identify each:
Although these two words share the same Latin root, “continuare“, meaning “to join together or connect.”, the only difference is the ending letters “ously” and “ally“.
Also, according to Grammarly, “continually” can also be used to explain a phenomenon that persists over a long period of time in an anthropological, historical, or geological sense.
On the other hand, the best way to remember the difference between these words is:
- Continuous – as the name implies means, happening without interruption or stoppage by anything.
- Continual – basically means that it happens, but there are interruptions in the space of time.
This is the basic and the best way to remember the difference between “Continuously vs Continually“.
Awesome one, I hope this article answered your question.
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