Continuously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Continuously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs without interruption or in an ongoing manner. Example: "The machine operates continuously for 24 hours a day to meet production demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a speech setting out the government package to deter so-called benefit tourism, Cameron will say EU migrants can only continue to claim jobseekers allowance if they have been continuously actively seeking work and have a realistic imminent prospect of finding a job.

The Guardian

The political rhetoric over immigration will further intensify on Monday as David Cameron promises to ban all EU nationals from claiming most benefits after six months in the UK unless they can prove they have been continuously looking for work over that period.

The Guardian

Back in London, I find a 2008 paper on morgellons in the journal Dermatologic Therapy that describes patients picking "at their skin continuously in order to 'extract' an organism"; "obsessive cleaning rituals, showering often" and individuals going "to many physicians, such as infectious disease specialists and dermatologists" – all behaviours "consistent with DOP".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Specifically, the Government should be continuously reminded about its effective embrace of Labor's budget strategy.

The Guardian

As the mixture thickens, stir almost continuously until it is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he pulls the punty back out he rotates it continuously to prevent molten glass from falling to one side.

The Guardian - Money

Add the rice and stir continuously for five minutes to stop it sticking to the bottom of the pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cafédirect launched a food-grade polypropylene pod, which is recyclable anywhere that accepts mixed plastics, and works continuously with the manufacturer to develop and reduce the pod packaging.

The Guardian

But the one area that I am continuously envious of is the male ability to pee while standing.

The Guardian

She travels continuously, carrying her message around the world.

The Guardian

In quotes from the book: Outside the windows the cars swept past continuously, out of town, into town, lights ablaze, radios at full throttle.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continuously" to emphasize the unbroken nature of an action or state. This can add a sense of persistence or intensity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "continuously" in sentences where a simpler adverb like "always" or "constantly" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "continuously" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating that an action or process occurs without interruption or cessation. Ludwig AI examples show this in varied contexts, reinforcing its role in emphasizing unbroken duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continuously" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions that occur without interruption. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and formal writing. While effective for emphasizing unbroken duration, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal contexts. When using "continuously", consider its impact on the overall tone and clarity of your writing to avoid redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Without interruption

Emphasizes the absence of breaks or pauses in the action.

Incessantly

Highlights the repetitive and often relentless nature of the action.

Ceaselessly

Stresses the lack of cessation or end to the action.

Uninterruptedly

Focuses on the unbroken sequence of the action, similar to "without interruption".

Perpetually

Implies that the action occurs endlessly and seemingly forever.

Endlessly

Suggests that the action has no foreseeable limit or conclusion.

Unremittingly

Highlights the relentless and unwavering quality of the action.

Constantly

Indicates that the action is happening at all times or very frequently.

Always

Simple and direct, conveying that the action is invariable and consistent.

Non-stop

Emphasizes the absence of any pauses or breaks, often used in more informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "continuously" in a sentence?

Use "continuously" to describe actions that happen without interruption. For example, "The company is "continuously" improving its products based on customer feedback."

What are some alternatives to using "continuously"?

You can use alternatives such as "constantly", "incessantly", or "uninterruptedly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "continuously" and "constantly"?

While both adverbs suggest an ongoing action, "continuously" often implies an unbroken sequence, whereas "constantly" may suggest frequent repetition with possible intervals. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What kind of writing benefits most from using "continuously"?

"Continuously" is beneficial in contexts where precision is crucial, such as scientific reports, legal documents, or technical manuals, to emphasize the persistent nature of a process or state. In more informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives.