continue in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue in force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a certain agreement, law, or regulation remains valid and effective. Example: "The contract will continue in force until both parties agree to terminate it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

However, the 1939 Act has remained in force (although it was amended by the Import and Export Control Act 1990 to allow it to continue in force without relying on the continued existence of "the emergency" that existed in 1939).

Globalization and Health

If it's mild, the slugs will continue in force, so I am taking up carrots, beetroot, turnips and swedes to go into store.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The agreement, which, as is conceded officially, is in fact a treaty, became operative today, and is to continue in force for five years with a provision for an arrangement for "further co-operation" at the end of that period.

The New York Times

"There are hundreds of orders that the C.P.A. issued that are going to continue in force," said an administration official, referring to the Coalition Provisional Authority, the official name of the occupation.

The New York Times

But, over all, his security policy is surprisingly similar to President Bush's: Guantánamo remains an affront to our values and the world's, N.S.A. spying programs continue in force, drone strikes have been stepped up, and the White House has tried to curb serious public conversation about drones, spying and cyberwarfare.

The New York Times

Currently, Justice Ginsburg wrote in dissent that Congress, "with overwhelming support in both houses," had concluded that the preclearance rule should "continue in force, unabated," because that would "facilitate completion of the impressive gains thus far made; and second, continuance would guard against backsliding".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The injunction continues in force in the meantime.

The Guardian

Lesser civil disabilities continued in force, though the law was often ignored, into the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The levying of land revenue in kind was replaced by a fixed assessment in cash, and these assessments continued in force later under the Arab administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both prosecutors and defense lawyers have been barred from discussing the case in the press, and Chief Judge A. Joe Fish said that order continued in force.

The New York Times

It was the Rule of St. Benedict, derived from various and disparate sources, that provided for the monastic way of life a directory, at once practical and spiritual, that continued in force after 1,500 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue in force" when referring to laws, regulations, or agreements that remain valid and operational. This phrase is best suited for formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "continue in force" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "remains valid" or "stays in effect" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue in force" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that a law, regulation, agreement, or other established rule or condition remains valid and operational. Ludwig examples showcase this in contexts such as legal acts and agreements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue in force" is used to indicate that something remains valid and operational. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in legal or formal contexts. While alternatives like "remain in effect" or "stay in effect" can be used, "continue in force" is best reserved for situations where precision and formality are required. It is particularly common in news, science, and wiki sources but less so in everyday conversation. Despite its infrequent usage, understanding its proper application is crucial in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain in effect

Emphasizes the ongoing validity of something.

stay in effect

Highlights the uninterrupted operation of something.

remain valid

Focuses on the continued legal or official standing.

stay valid

Similar to remain valid, but with a slightly more informal tone.

persist

Highlights the enduring nature of something.

endure

Emphasizes the lasting quality of something, often over a long period.

hold good

Implies the continued relevance or applicability of something.

carry on

Focuses on the uninterrupted continuation of an activity or state.

be sustained

Suggests that something is being upheld or maintained.

keep going

Informal way to indicate the uninterrupted continuation of a state or process.

FAQs

What does "continue in force" mean?

The phrase "continue in force" means that something, typically a law, regulation, or agreement, remains valid and operational. It implies that the item has not been repealed, terminated, or expired.

When is it appropriate to use "continue in force"?

It's most appropriate to use "continue in force" in legal documents, formal agreements, or official reports where precision and clarity are essential. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "remain valid" or "stay in effect".

What are some alternatives to "continue in force"?

Alternatives include "remain in effect", "stay in effect", "remain valid", or "persist". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "continue in force" different from "remain in force"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "continue in force" emphasizes the ongoing nature of something, whereas "remain in force" simply indicates that something is still valid. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.