constantly

/ˈkɒnstəntli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːnstəntli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkän(t)-stənt-lē/ (ame, mw)

constantly — adverb

1. happening very many times, especially in a way that feels like too much or is ir

1.副詞B1
釋義

happening very many times, especially in a way that feels like too much or is irritating.

例句

Salma constantly checks her phone during meetings, even when others are speaking.

constantly + present simple (habitual action)

The librarian reminded Jack constantly to keep his voice down.

verb + constantly (end position)

同義詞
  • always

    broader in meaning; 'always' can mean 'every time' while 'constantly' often suggests tiresome repetition

  • repeatedly

    more neutral and factual, without the tone of annoyance

  • frequently

    slightly more formal; less emotional than 'constantly'

反義詞
  • rarely

    opposite frequency — happening seldom rather than often

  • occasionally

    happening from time to time, not constantly

文法句型

constantly + verb

be + constantly + verb(-ing)

verb + constantly

用法筆記

Often carries a tone of mild annoyance or emphasis when describing someone's habits. Frequently used with the present continuous tense (e.g., 'You are constantly interrupting me') to highlight the speaker's irritation.

常見錯誤

❌She constantly studied for six hours last night.' (studying for six hours is a single continuous period, not a repeated action).
✅She constantly checked her phone while studying.
💡'constantly' in this sense works for repeated actions over time, not one uninterrupted stretch.

2. in a way that continues without any pause or break.

2.副詞B2
釋義

in a way that continues without any pause or break.

例句

The air conditioner in the old library runs constantly to keep the books dry.

runs constantly (continuous process)

Putri's phone buzzed constantly throughout the night with urgent messages.

buzzed constantly + duration phrase

同義詞
  • continuously

    nearly identical; 'continuously' slightly more formal

  • incessantly

    stronger and more literary; suggests something goes on for too long

  • ceaselessly

    formal; emphasizes that something never stops

反義詞

文法句型

constantly + verb (action without interruption)

verb + constantly (describing the manner of the action)

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense describes an unbroken, uninterrupted process rather than repeated individual events. If the action can be counted as separate occurrences, sense 1 is more appropriate.

常見錯誤

❌He constantly visits his grandmother every Sunday.' (visiting every Sunday is a repeated event, not a continuous action).
✅The river flows constantly through the valley.
💡'constantly' here means without stopping, fitting a continuous natural process.