B1
continuous vs continual
Continuous means without any break (continuous rain); continual means happening again and again, often in an annoying way (continual interruptions).
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| continuousadjective/kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/ | Meaning going on without any break or pause | Goes with continuous line | Example The patient needs continuous care, 24 hours a day. |
| continualadjective/kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/ | Meaning happening again and again, often in an annoying way | Goes with continual interruptions | Example The baby's continual crying kept us awake: each time we fell asleep, she started again. |
Which word fits?
1 of 7Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
The baby's crying kept us awake: each time we fell asleep, she started again.