continuous
/kənˈtɪnjuəs/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtɪnjuəs/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtin-yü-əs/ (ame, mw) · /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/ (ame, ipa)
continuous — adjective
- continuouspositive
- more continuouscomparative
- most continuoussuperlative
1. going on without a break or pause from start to finish — used for actions, event
going on without a break or pause from start to finish — used for actions, events, or conditions that keep happening without stopping from one moment to the next.
The factory machines made a low continuous noise that could be heard from outside.
continuous noise / continuous + noun pattern
Hassan needed continuous medical care after the accident.
continuous medical care — typical collocation
A continuous stream of water flowed from the broken pipe all night.
The coastal road offers a continuous view of the ocean for nearly thirty kilometres.
Without continuous effort, it is hard to learn a new language well.
- uninterrupted
stronger emphasis on no breaks at all; slightly more formal
- non-stop
informal, often used for services or travel (a non-stop flight)
- constant
suggests something stays the same level without changing, not just without stopping
- intermittent
starting and stopping at intervals
- broken
with visible gaps or pauses
用法筆記
Frequently modifies nouns for natural phenomena (noise, rain, flow), services (care, supply, monitoring), and abstract qualities (effort, attention, growth). For repeated events with brief interruptions, see sense 4 (RECURRING).
常見錯誤
2. relating to the verb form that uses 'be' (am, is, are, was, were) together with
relating to the verb form that uses 'be' (am, is, are, was, were) together with a present participle (-ing form) to show that an action is, was, or will be in progress.
The present continuous tense is used for actions happening right now.
present continuous — common grammatical term
Trang is learning how to form the past continuous using 'was' or 'were' with the -ing form.
past continuous formation: was/were + -ing
In 'They were sleeping when the alarm went off,' the verb 'were sleeping' is a continuous form.
Some verbs, like 'know' and 'believe,' are rarely used in continuous tenses.
Rafael wrote an essay comparing the simple past with the past continuous.
- progressive
the preferred term in American grammar teaching; means the same thing
用法筆記
Also called progressive in some grammar books, especially American English materials. Stative verbs (know, believe, own, understand) typically do not appear in continuous forms unless the meaning shifts to an active state (e.g., 'I'm loving it' in advertising).
常見錯誤
3. forming an unbroken line or surface with no gaps, spaces, or separations between
forming an unbroken line or surface with no gaps, spaces, or separations between parts in physical space.
The artist painted a continuous red line across the entire wall.
continuous line — spatial sense with physical object
A continuous fence runs along the border between the two farms.
The building has a continuous balcony that wraps around all four sides.
Karim drew a continuous curve on the graph without lifting the pen.
A continuous band of dark clouds stretched from the mountains to the sea.
- broken
with visible gaps or separations
- discontinuous
formal term for something with breaks; used in mathematics
用法筆記
This sense differs from sense 1 (WITHOUT STOPPING) in that it describes physical extension in space (a line, a surface, a band) rather than duration in time. It is most common in descriptions of art, architecture, geography, and technical drawing.
常見錯誤
4. happening again and again over time, with only very short pauses between each oc
happening again and again over time, with only very short pauses between each occurrence — used for repeated events that feel almost constant.
Nia had continuous headaches that made it hard to focus at work.
continuous headaches — repeated events with short breaks
The teacher faced continuous questions from the curious students.
Continuous applause interrupted the speaker several times during the ceremony.
Living next to the train tracks means continuous noise throughout the day and night.
The company received continuous complaints about the new software update.
- occasional
happening from time to time, not frequently
- sporadic
happening irregularly, with unpredictable gaps
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (WITHOUT STOPPING): sense 1 describes something that truly never pauses (e.g., continuous rain that falls without a break), while sense 4 describes events that stop briefly and restart frequently (e.g., continuous headaches that come and go throughout the day). In everyday use, the two senses can overlap — context determines which meaning the speaker intends.
常見錯誤
continuous — noun
1. the name given to the verb structure made with 'be' plus a present participle, w
the name given to the verb structure made with 'be' plus a present participle, which shows that an action or situation is, was, or will be in progress at a particular time.
In the sentence 'Theo is reading,' the verb 'is reading' is in the continuous.
the continuous — used as a noun referring to the form
Students often confuse the simple present with the continuous when describing daily routines.
The continuous is formed by adding '-ing' to the main verb.
Allison's grammar book explains when to use the continuous instead of the simple form.
Some languages do not have a direct equivalent of the English continuous.
- progressive
alternative name for the same grammatical form, common in American English
用法筆記
Typically used with the definite article: 'the continuous.' Also referred to as 'the progressive,' especially in American teaching materials. This noun sense is grammatically uncountable — you would not say 'a continuous' or 'two continuouses.'