continue to sit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to sit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to maintain their seated position or to indicate that someone should keep sitting for a period of time. Example: "During the presentation, please continue to sit quietly and listen to the speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though you don't have to look like royalty sitting on a throne, you should avoid slouching and continue to sit with straight posture.

WikiHow

"I will continue to sit," he said.

The Guardian

He believes his old buildings will continue to sit unsold as a lesson to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever else may change in the next four decades, people will probably continue to sit.

The New York Times

The Senate cannot continue to sit idle on jobs and the budget.

The New York Times

I will continue to sit here as usual, waiting, grinning, tapping and anticipating my future.

The New York Times

But if that is so, why do African-Americans continue to sit alone?

The New York Times

He will continue to sit on the management board for the Universal Music Group.

The New York Times

"He didn't continue to sit at the Buckley dinner table," Ms. Begley said.

The New York Times

Evans said he'll continue to sit for the anthem as long as Trump is president-elect.

The Guardian - Sport

A small proportion of pupils, 5%, should continue to sit a science test to monitor standards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a formal setting or a situation with authority, consider stronger alternatives like "remain seated" or "hold one's seat".

Common error

Overuse of "continue to sit" can sometimes lead to passive or wordy sentences. Aim for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. E.g., instead of "The documents will continue to sit on the desk," consider "The documents will remain on the desk."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to sit" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the continuation of the action of sitting, expressing the idea of remaining in a seated position or maintaining a certain status as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to sit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to instruct, describe, or predict the ongoing state of being seated or maintaining a position. Ludwig AI marks the usage as correct and well-supported by numerous examples, making it a versatile phrase for various writing scenarios. While primarily neutral in register, considering alternatives like "remain seated" can enhance formality where needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain seated

Emphasizes maintaining a seated posture, often used in formal settings.

stay seated

A more casual alternative to 'remain seated', implying a shorter duration.

keep sitting

Highlights the ongoing action of sitting, adding a sense of persistence.

carry on sitting

A more verbose way of saying "continue to sit", suggesting a continuation of an activity.

hold one's seat

Often refers to retaining a position, such as in a meeting or on a board.

keep one's seat

Similar to 'hold one's seat', but can also imply a struggle to maintain the position.

retain one's position

Focuses on maintaining a specific role or status, rather than just physical sitting.

persist in sitting

Implies a deliberate choice to remain seated, potentially against expectations.

stay in place

Indicates remaining in a location, not necessarily limited to a seated position.

uphold one's chair

More metaphorical, suggesting continuing to hold a position of authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "continue to sit" to instruct someone to remain seated, such as, "During the performance, please "continue to sit" quietly."

What are some alternatives to "continue to sit"?

Alternatives include "remain seated", "stay seated", or "keep sitting", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is more formal, "continue to sit" or "remain seated"?

Remain seated is generally more formal than "continue to sit" and is often used in official announcements or instructions.

What's the difference between "continue to sit" and "hold one's seat"?

"Continue to sit" refers to the physical act of remaining seated, while "hold one's seat" often refers to maintaining a position or role, such as in a meeting or organization.