continual argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continual argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where arguments or disagreements occur repeatedly over time. Example: "Their continual argument about politics often led to tension during family gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the show's appeal is not in its conflicts — it is in its continual argument for the values of honest pay for hard work, loyalty, and small acts of unseen kindness.

The New Yorker

But the show's appeal is not in its conflicts it is in its continual argument for the values of honest pay for hard work, loyalty, and small acts of unseen kindness.

The New Yorker

Like Christopher Logue's violent adaptations of the Iliad, it testifies to a lifetime's battle with thoughts and afterthoughts, a continual argument between the translator's own preoccupations and his sense of what is distinctive to Homer.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Had sexual intercourse with a man when you didn't really want to because you felt pressured by his continual arguments?

The New York Times

If sexual assault not including penetration (i.e., forced, threatened or drugged non-consensual sexual touching) and sexual coercion (i.e., using tactics other than physical force or threats, such as "continual arguments and pressure") are included, the percentage increases dramatically [ 4- 6].

BMC Women's Health

It's a matter of continual debate.

The Guardian

Not unlike Brian De Palma, another filmmaker who likes to skirt the boundaries of good taste, Verhoeven has inspired no shortage of gender-based arguments over the years: Whether his female characters are misogynist constructs or avatars of empowerment is a topic open to continual debate and reappraisal.

Los Angeles Times

His health, his whereabouts, and his intentions are subjects of continual rumor and argument in Kabul, the Afghan capital.

The New Yorker

Both sides appear to be stuck in a continual expert-driven argument in which each camp claims that science supports their respective positions.

HuffPost

10 08 We're hearing a long laundry list of all the Kindle's innovations and developments over the last four years -- Bezos is making the argument that continual invention is what's kept the device on top of the e-book reader market.

Forbes

His continual circling back to his arguments with Dohrn gives the book something of the stuck feel of a complaint from a still-bitter former spouse.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continual argument", ensure the context clearly indicates a recurring pattern of disagreement rather than a single, continuous debate. Consider alternatives like "ongoing dispute" if the focus is on the unresolved state.

Common error

Avoid using "continual argument" when you mean a single, unbroken argument. "Continual" implies recurrence, while "continuous" implies an uninterrupted state. If the argument is non-stop, consider "continuous argument" or "unrelenting debate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continual argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "continual" modifies the noun "argument". It describes a specific type of argument characterized by its repetitive or recurring nature. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continual argument" refers to recurring disagreements or disputes, as evidenced by examples from sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase is appropriate for describing situations marked by repeated conflict. When using it, it's essential to distinguish between "continual" (recurring) and "continuous" (uninterrupted) to ensure accurate communication. Consider alternatives like "ongoing dispute" or "persistent debate" for nuanced expression. Ludwig AI response indicates a positive sentiment for the usage of the phrase, reinforcing its validity in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing dispute

Focuses on the continuous nature of the disagreement, highlighting its unresolved state.

persistent debate

Emphasizes the sustained nature of the discussion, suggesting a more formal or intellectual disagreement.

recurring quarrel

Implies a more emotional and personal disagreement that happens repeatedly.

constant contention

Highlights the adversarial nature of the disagreement and its continuous presence.

perpetual disagreement

Stresses the seemingly endless nature of the lack of agreement.

unending controversy

Suggests a public and widely debated disagreement that shows no sign of resolution.

chronic conflict

Implies a long-lasting and deeply rooted disagreement, often with negative consequences.

ceaseless wrangling

Emphasizes the tedious and often unproductive nature of the ongoing argument.

sustained dispute

Highlights the prolonged duration of the disagreement.

habitual discord

Suggests a pattern of disagreement that has become a normal part of a relationship or situation.

FAQs

What does "continual argument" mean?

The phrase "continual argument" refers to a series of repeated arguments or disagreements, implying that the arguments happen frequently over a period of time.

What's the difference between "continual argument" and "continuous argument"?

"Continual argument" means arguments that happen repeatedly with interruptions, while "continuous argument" implies a single, unbroken argument. Choose the word that best describes whether there are breaks in the argument.

How can I use "continual argument" in a sentence?

You can use "continual argument" to describe relationships or situations marked by frequent disagreements, such as: "Their "continual argument" about money strained their marriage."

What are some alternatives to "continual argument"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "continual argument" include "ongoing dispute", "persistent debate", or "recurring quarrel".