How to Use Continually vs. Continuously (Usage + Examples)

First published on March 11, 2024 by Dalia Y.|Last revised on October 28, 2025

Continuously and continually are adverbs and synonyms which can be used more or less interchangeably. The former implies perpetuity; the latter, regular occurrence.

Writing Tips

How to Use Continually vs. Continuously (Usage + Examples)

Continually vs. continuously: what's the difference?

Continually and continuously are indeed similar; in fact, they're synonyms of each other. That said, there's a distinction between them worth observing.

Continually and continuously are both adverbs; their respective adjective forms are 'continual' and 'continuous'.

Continually means "in a way that is repeated many times", or "repeated frequently in the same way". As in, "continually update this blog site with new posts and information on English grammar".
Continuously means "in a way that happens or exists for a period of time without being interrupted". As in, "He was checking his phone continuously throughout the entire movie, which irked me severely".

It rained continuously for three days.

Notice how he continually interrupts the speaker.

It's a subtle difference, and concerns whether what occurs is disrupted or not. If something happens on a regular or ongoing basis, but not unceasingly, then it is continual (or occurs continually).

Conversely, something that goes on uninterrupted, (e.g., "the faucet dripped continuously throughout the night") means the faucet did not stop dripping all night. If (at a point) the faucet had stopped dripping, then it would be better described as having dripped 'continually' (example is borrowed from the Blue Book of Grammar).

Definitions and usage

Continually (adverb)

In a way that is repeated many times, or repeated frequently in the same way.

• New products are continually being developed.

• They argue continually about money.

• Notice how he continually interrupts the speaker.

Continuously (adverb)

In a way that happens or exists for a period of time without being interrupted.

• It rained continuously for three days.

• This prevents the system from continuously trying to deliver email.

• He has lived and worked in France almost continuously since 1990.

"Continual" / "continuous", used in sentences

Examples: "continual", used in sentences

• He was in a continual process of rewriting his material.

• We lived in continual fear of being discovered.

Examples: "continuous", used in sentences

• Recovery after the accident will be a continuous process that may take several months.

• The organization aims to create a culture of "continuous improvement".

💡Study Tip

For "continuously," think "uninterrupted flow," like a continuous stream; "continually" suggests repeated actions with breaks, like continually checking your phone.

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for continuously

interminably never-ending endlessly perpetually relentlessly unceasingly unlimitedly without end

Synonyms for continually

frequently regularly repeatedly constantly continuously

Word origins

Early 14c., continuell, "proceeding without interruption or cessation; often repeated, very frequent," from Old French continuel (12c.) and directly from Latin continuus … from continere (intransitive) "to be uninterrupted," literally "to hang together"

—Online Etymology Dictionary

Practice quiz: Continually or continuously?

Question 1 of 5

The machine worked ______ for eight hours without a break.

continuously
continually

She was ______ interrupted by phone calls while she was working.

continually
continuously

It rained ______ for three days; it never stopped.

continuously
continually

He was ______ reminding me to finish my homework.

continually
continuously

The river flows ______ to the sea.

continuously
continually

FAQs

What is the main difference? +

The distinction between them concerns whether the action or happening is disrupted or not. Continually means repeated many times, while continuously means without being interrupted.

When do I use 'continually'? +

Use 'continually' for actions or happenings that are repeated frequently, perhaps with breaks in between. The post gives examples like "He continually interrupted the speaker" or "New products are continually being developed."

When do I use 'continuously'? +

Use 'continuously' for actions or happenings that occur for a period of time without being interrupted. The post uses examples like "The rain fell continuously for three days" or "The faucet dripped continuously throughout the night."

Can I use 'continuous' as an adverb? +

No, 'continuous' is an adjective. The post shows "The sun shone continuous all day" is incorrect; the adverb form 'continuously' should be used to modify the verb, as in "The sun shone continuously all day."

Which word implies an action with breaks? +

'Continually' implies an action repeated many times or frequently, often with breaks. The post notes using 'continuously' for something with breaks (like checking a phone) is incorrect; 'continually' would be more appropriate.