continue to be used

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to be used" is an acceptable idiom in written English.
This phrase refers to a situation in which something continues to be used, usually over a period of time. For example: "The traditional methods of communication continue to be used even as new technologies emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brand will also continue to be used.

The Guardian - Business

The original design will continue to be used in Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

Nevertheless, child soldiers continue to be used throughout the world.

The New Yorker

The floor below will continue to be used for parties.

The New York Times - Food

Epoxy thermosets continue to be used in a variety of coatings, adhesives, and structural composites.

Polymer

Many of the same methods continue to be used by public water utilities today.

The Guardian

The existing $5 banknote will be progressively withdrawn from circulation but can continue to be used.

The Guardian

And the full Yves Saint Laurent name will continue to be used for "institutional purposes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite community attempts to ban the chemicals, they continue to be used.

The New Yorker

The BHA says materials from Truth in Science continue to be used in UK schools.

The Guardian

New codes regularly appear, and old codes continue to be used and occasionally updated and expanded.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to be used" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action or process. It's especially useful when contrasting it with something that might be discontinued or replaced.

Common error

While "continue to be used" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to be used" functions as a verbal phrase in the passive voice. It indicates that a subject undergoes an action, emphasizing the persistence of its utilization over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard and acceptable idiom in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continue to be used" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase that indicates the ongoing utilization of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's an acceptable idiom in written English. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for more engaging writing. Related phrases like "remain in use" or "still be employed" can offer more concise or formal options depending on the context. Understanding its function and purpose helps ensure effective communication in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain in use

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing on the state of being in use.

still be employed

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing the act of employing something.

persist in its application

This is a more formal and emphatic way of saying something is still being used.

continue in service

This suggests ongoing functionality or operation, often for equipment or systems.

be maintained in use

This emphasizes the effort to keep something in use, implying active maintenance.

be sustained in application

This is a more formal variant, highlighting the support required for continued use.

still find application

This emphasizes the relevance and suitability of something for use.

be consistently applied

This alternative stresses the regularity and uniformity of use.

remain operational

This suggests that something is still functioning and available for use.

endure in practice

This suggests a long-lasting or resilient use, with a sense of overcoming challenges.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "continue to be used" to sound more concise?

You can use alternatives like "remain in use" or "still be employed" depending on the context.

What's a more formal synonym for "continue to be used"?

A more formal synonym could be "persist in its application" or "be sustained in application".

Is it grammatically correct to say "continues to be used" instead of "continue to be used"?

Yes, "continues to be used" is grammatically correct. The choice depends on the subject's number. Use "continue" for plural subjects and "continues" for singular subjects. For example, "These methods continue to be used" vs. "This method continues to be used."

When is it best to use "continue to be used" over other similar phrases?

Use "continue to be used" when you want to emphasize that something's use is ongoing, especially when there's a possibility or expectation that it might stop. It highlights the persistence of the action or state.