Continual Vs Continuous
Continual describes something that happens frequently but with breaks between the occurrences; whereas, continuous describes something that occurs over time without any break or interruption.
Continual
Continual bickering goes on, with few breaks, over a period of time. There may be occasional cessations, but not for long.
Continual warfare implies successive battles, skirmishes, raids, attacks and counterattacks, again over extended period.
Continual rain indicates a series of rains, with short spells of fair weather intervening between the frequent storms.
Continual refers only to time, and indicates a series of successive actions.
Continuous
Continuous, on other hand, implies unbroken, uninterrupted movement.
Continuous bickering allows for no moment of peace.
Continuous warfare indicates no cessation of fighting.
Continuous rain means that the rain never stops.
Continuous may refer to space as well as time - a continuous line, a continuous stretch of narrow land, a continuous expanse of desert.
The two words are close in meaning, but the distinction in implication is very strong. Continual describe one thing after another, continuous describe one unending thing.
Do you get the point? Try these.
1. A (continuous, continual) application of hot packs, three or four every hour for two days, will alleviate your congested condition.
2. His (continuous, continual) rejection of the applications from the home office has raised the manager’s ire.
3. The rain came down (continuously, continually); not for five minutes did the storm abate.
4. Not a sound broke the stillness; the (continuous, continual) silence was unnerving.
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This article has been shared by Priti Saraf. Though a CA by profession, teaching is her passion. She suggests this joyful way of building English Grammar and wherein one cam simultaneously learn their practical use as well.
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