a continuing operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process or activity that is currently in progress or being maintained. Example: "The company is focused on a continuing operation to improve its customer service and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sangin is the scene of a continuing operation by Afghan forces against the Taliban.

The New York Times

It is a continuing operation that federal officials say could go on for two more decades.

The New York Times

In January the government "named and shamed" a further 37 employers who failed to pay their workers the minimum wage, as part of a continuing operation.

The Guardian

The Iranians have also shown a willingness to sponsor terrorist attacks on American targets, according to the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a continuing operation.

The New York Times

Members of both parties complained of war fatigue in their districts, and the reluctance of constituents to support another front, although some members emphasized the importance of supporting a continuing operation, even if they did not agree with the way it began.

The New York Times

Separately, Israeli armored vehicles headed back into the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, part of a continuing operation to prevent Palestinian militants from launching rockets at the nearby Israeli town of Sederot on the far side of the strip's boundary fence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

On a continuing operations basis, the company netted $71.5 million, or $1.58 a share.

Forbes

The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $1.07 a share on a continuing operations basis.

Forbes

On a continuing operations basis, the company earned 18 cents per share.

Forbes

Losses on a continuing operations basis fell to $247 million from $660 million a year ago.

Forbes

However, on a continuing operations basis, the company actually beat the Street's call by a penny.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a continuing operation", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific activity or process is ongoing.

Common error

Avoid using "a continuing operation" when describing a completed task or a project with a definitive end date. The phrase suggests an indefinite duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing operation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continuing operation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an ongoing activity or process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to depict activities that are expected to persist. It commonly appears in news and media contexts and to a lesser extent, formal business communication and encyclopedias. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it is suitable for describing sustained efforts across various domains. Related phrases include "an ongoing operation" and "a sustained operation", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing operation

Replaces "continuing" with "ongoing", emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the operation.

a sustained operation

Focuses on the aspect of maintaining or supporting the operation over time.

a prolonged operation

Highlights the extended duration of the operation.

an extended operation

Similar to "prolonged", but may also imply an increase in scope.

a persistent operation

Emphasizes the determination and steadfastness of the operation.

an active operation

Focuses on the present state of the operation being actively carried out.

a current operation

Highlights the operation as existing or happening in the present time.

a running operation

Implies the operation is in progress and functioning smoothly.

an in-progress operation

Directly states that the operation is currently underway.

a live operation

Highlights the operation is functional and being done in real-time.

FAQs

How can I use "a continuing operation" in a sentence?

You can use "a continuing operation" to describe an ongoing activity, for example, "The company is engaged in "a continuing operation" to improve its customer service".

What are some alternatives to "a continuing operation"?

Alternatives include "an ongoing operation", "a sustained operation", or "a prolonged operation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a continuing operation" in a business context?

Yes, "a continuing operation" is appropriate in formal and business settings to refer to processes or activities that are expected to persist over time.

What's the difference between "a continuing operation" and "a temporary project"?

"A continuing operation" implies an indefinite or long-term activity, while "a temporary project" suggests a task with a clear start and end date. They are antonymous.