Feel free to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Feel free to continue" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to encourage someone to keep talking or proceeding with their thoughts. Example: "If you have more to say, feel free to continue." Alternative expressions include "Go ahead," "Please proceed," and "Continue on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Feel free to continue posting in the comments section below.

The New York Times - Food

Feel free to continue the discussion in the comments below.

The New Yorker

Feel free to continue sharing your own stories and suggestions.

The Guardian - Travel

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @ryanlizza.

The New Yorker

Feel free to continue — we're sure you can.

Harvard Business Review

Feel free to continue to comment below, but we are no longer accepting questions for Facebook.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

OK, folks - we're going to wind down this blog now, but please feel free to continues discussing Warren Gatlland's selections in our comments section.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, there was little new in what Greenspan had to say today, so investors felt free to continue the shopping spree they embarked upon yesterday when bargain hunters began to buy up stocks.

Forbes

With his northern borders secured, Edward felt free to continue his major offensive against France, laying siege to the town of Calais.

Wikipedia

As long as he feels good, he feels free to continue with his lifestyle as usual.

Critical Public Health

Although Inc. had signed up two independent directors with prominent and successful careers in Canada, Gordon Walker and Richard Rohmer, Black continued to feel free to keep them — as well as his loyal subordinate, Peter White — in the dark about his activities on behalf of Inc.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel free to continue" when you want to give someone permission or encouragement to proceed with an action, discussion, or task. It conveys politeness and openness.

Common error

While "feel free to continue" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "please proceed" or "you may continue" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel free to continue" primarily functions as an encouragement or invitation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to politely suggest that someone proceed with an action, a conversation, or a task. The phrase indicates that there is no obstacle or objection to their continuing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel free to continue" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to encourage or invite someone to proceed with an action, conversation, or task. Ludwig AI confirms its primary function is to grant permission and offer reassurance in a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "please proceed" in professional settings. Key considerations include understanding the communicative purpose, recognizing potential overuse, and adapting the expression to match the formality of the writing. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please proceed

Offers a more formal way to say continue.

please go on

A polite way to ask someone to continue speaking or acting.

go right ahead

Suggests immediate permission to continue.

carry on

Implies continuing an action without interruption.

keep going

A more direct and informal way to tell someone to continue.

don't hesitate to proceed

Encourages continuation with an emphasis on reassurance.

you may continue

Provides explicit permission to go on.

continue at your leisure

Allows continuation at one's own pace and convenience.

by all means, continue

Emphasizes enthusiastic permission to continue.

proceed when you're ready

Gives control to the other person to decide when to continue.

FAQs

How can I use "feel free to continue" in a sentence?

You can use "feel free to continue" to invite someone to proceed with an action or discussion. For example, "If you have more questions, "feel free to continue" asking them".

What are some alternatives to "feel free to continue"?

Some alternatives to "feel free to continue" include "please proceed", "go ahead", or "you may continue". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "feel free to continue" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "feel free to continue" might be too informal for highly formal writing. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "please proceed" or "you may continue".

What's the difference between "feel free to continue" and "continue"?

"Feel free to continue" is a polite invitation or encouragement to proceed. "Continue" is a direct instruction to keep going. The former is more gentle and suggestive, while the latter is more commanding.