continuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the act of persisting in an action or process. Example: "Continuing with our discussion, I would like to address the next point on the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are continuing our campaign, and continue to lobby for intervention from Ed Vaizey and Jeremy Hunt (who are responsible for superintending library services nationwide) to avoid yet more needless waste of public money and irreparable damage to our library service.

The Guardian - Books

One of the most poignant images conjured in the collective consciousness from the sinking of the Titanic is that of the band continuing to play while the ship went down.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, Johnson was surrounded by Kennedy's advisers and always insisted he was merely continuing Kennedy policy.

The Guardian

Any continuing support beyond 1 April will have to be funded from existing budgets.

The Guardian

It's early days, so Pisani is continuing to cook the school caterer Ashlyns' menus, while trialling new dishes and holding tasting sessions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, protection of this great forest – and its continuing mysteries – will depend on the decisions of the Congolese.

The Guardian

We are continuing to work with our health partners to improve the quality of our cancer services".

The Guardian

For those who prefer actual songs, with melodies and lyrics, Leonard Cohen's Popular Problems comes out the same day, continuing one of the few great career renaissances to have been necessitated by being robbed blind by one's manager.

The Guardian

That means that, without continuing high levels of net migration, even deeper spending cuts and higher taxes would be needed before Britain reaches Osborne's sunshine-filled economic pastures.

The Guardian

In an interview (in Arabic) with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper while in London, Hadi lamented Yemen's past troubles, saying: "We have spent 50 years in Yemen operating on a kill or be killed basis... we've had continuing wars and unending disputes, Yemenis must leave this past of wars and disputes behind".

The Guardian

Walking down Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street late on Friday evening, the casual observer would find little amiss; not much to suggest that Moscow's trajectory over recent years, of broader consumer options and improving quality of life for the new urban middle class, was not continuing as before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continuing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being continued. Provide enough information so that the reader understands the scope and nature of the ongoing action or state.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing" without specifying what action or state is being prolonged. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Always provide a clear reference point.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "continuing" is that of a verb in its present participle form, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is continuing") or as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "continuing efforts"). Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

15%

Lifestyle

9%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Sport

6%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "continuing" functions primarily as a present participle, denoting ongoing actions or states. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness is validated by widespread usage across diverse contexts. "Continuing" is most frequently observed in news and media, business, and lifestyle content. To ensure clarity, specify what action or state is being continued. Be cautious of vague references that might lead to ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "ongoing", "persisting", and "remaining" can be considered based on the specific nuance required. Given its frequent use and validated grammatical status, "continuing" is a reliable and versatile term in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing

Emphasizes the state of being in progress, often without a specified end.

in progress

Highlights that something is currently happening or being done.

persisting

Implies a continued effort despite obstacles or resistance.

remaining

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition.

uninterrupted

Stresses the lack of breaks or interruptions in an activity.

sustained

Indicates a maintained or prolonged effort or condition.

unbroken

Similar to uninterrupted, emphasizing a lack of breaks.

rolling

Suggests a continuous, often cyclical, process.

non-stop

Emphasizes the absence of any cessation or pause.

ceaseless

Implies an unending or perpetual continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "continuing" in a sentence?

You can use "continuing" to describe an action that is in progress or a state that persists. For example, "The company is "continuing to invest" in renewable energy" or "The "continuing economic crisis" is a major concern".

What is a synonym for "continuing"?

Synonyms for "continuing" include "ongoing", "persisting", and "remaining". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "continuing on"?

While "continuing" can sometimes be followed by a preposition like "on", it's important to ensure it fits the context. Often, simply using "continuing" is more concise and effective. For example, prefer "The project is continuing" over "The project is continuing on".

What's the difference between "continuing" and "continuous"?

"Continuing" describes an action or process that is currently in progress, while "continuous" describes something that occurs without interruption. For instance, "The meeting is "continuing"" (it's still happening) versus "The "continuous flow" of traffic" (it never stops).