continue to

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a synonym for "keep on" or "go on", especially when describing an action that is taking place over a period of time. For example: "Although the exam was difficult, he continued to work hard until he finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Revenues continue to drop.

The Economist

We continue to watch.

The Guardian

continue to prescribe.

The New York Times

Pranks continue to ensue.

The New York Times

I continue to press.

The New Yorker

Yet we continue to.

The New York Times

We continue to suffer.

The New Yorker

Detectives continue to investigate.

The New York Times

We continue to walk.

The New York Times

Analysts continue to gush.

The Economist

Will it continue to?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action or state. It is particularly useful in formal writing to maintain a consistent tone.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to" when a simpler verb would suffice. For example, instead of "continue to walk", consider simply saying "walk" if the ongoing nature is already clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the ongoing nature of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples of it being used to describe persistent or repeated behaviors and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the persistence or ongoing nature of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting examples from reputable sources across News & Media and Wiki contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's most effective when emphasizing sustained effort or uninterrupted processes. Related phrases such as "keep on" and "go on" can serve as alternatives in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep on

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action without interruption.

go on

Indicates the continuation of an activity or process, often implying forward movement.

carry on

Suggests persistence in the face of difficulties or challenges.

proceed to

Implies moving forward to the next step or stage in a process.

sustain

Highlights the act of maintaining or supporting something over time.

maintain

Focuses on keeping something at the same level or standard.

persevere in

Stresses determination and effort in continuing despite obstacles.

extend

Implies lengthening or prolonging something.

hold on

Suggests maintaining a grip or position, often in a challenging situation.

resume

Indicates restarting an activity after a pause or interruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "continue to" to describe an action that is ongoing or will persist over time. For example, "The company will "continue to invest" in renewable energy sources."

What are some alternatives to "continue to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "keep on", "go on", or "carry on", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "continue to" and "continues to"?

"Continue to" is used with a base verb (e.g., "I continue to learn"), while "continues to" is used when the subject is singular and third-person (e.g., "He continues to learn").

When is it best to use "continue to" instead of other similar phrases?

"Continue to" is suitable for formal contexts and when you wish to emphasize the sustained nature of an action. In more informal settings, alternatives like "keep on" or "go on" might be more appropriate.