in a continuum

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a continuum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are connected to each other, yet still distinct at the same time. For example, "The behavior of the students ranged from excellent to poor in a continuum."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There, emotional expression is inherent in a continuum of movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Most important, he situates all this in a continuum of material, process, history and emotion.

The New York Times

This dance, "Thresholds," by LEIMAY, suggested life and death happening in a continuum.

The New Yorker

Stories both trap people in a continuum and console them with images of beginnings and ends.

The Guardian - Books

"Flesh and Blood" asks us to see ourselves in a continuum.

The New Yorker

Mary Ford, in a lime dress, danced a cheerful exuberant duet with Mr. Boumaïla, always moving in a continuum.

The New York Times - Arts

Kramer is absolutely right to argue that Russian history should be seen "in a continuum" from 1914 to 1921.

The New York Times - Books

Independence is not simply a further step in a continuum from devolution, but involves a fundamental discontinuity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Wilson presented the songs as points in a continuum, scenes in a story yet unfinished, and maybe unfinishable.

The New York Times - Arts

The law is applied in a continuum calculation of nanoindentation of a graphene membrane.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

It's also a painting that debunks Mr. Schnabel's icon-smashing reputation and places him in a continuum from Jackson Pollock's "Blue Poles" through Robert Rauschenberg's combines.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a continuum" to describe phenomena where distinct elements blend seamlessly, emphasizing the interconnectedness and gradual transition between them.

Common error

Avoid using "in a continuum" when describing completely distinct or unrelated items; the phrase implies a connection or gradient that must be present for accurate usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a continuum" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating that something exists or occurs along a continuous sequence or range. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a continuum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes something existing along a continuous sequence or range. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is versatile, appearing across various contexts from scientific research to news reports. Its usage is particularly prevalent in Science and News & Media categories. When employing this phrase, ensure that the elements being described genuinely exhibit a continuous, interconnected relationship. Alternatives like "in a range" or "in a series" may be more appropriate if distinct, separate elements are involved. Avoid its use when describing completely distinct or unrelated items, as the phrase correctly implies a gradient or connection that actually exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a spectrum

Similar to "in a continuum", but often used to describe gradations of color, light, or opinions, with a focus on gradual transition.

within a continuous flow

Focuses on the uninterrupted movement or progression of something, underlining its ongoing nature.

in a progression

Highlights the forward movement or development through stages, suggesting a directional aspect not always present in "in a continuum".

in a gradual transition

Emphasizes the slowness and smoothness of change, specifying a quality of the continuous flow.

in a sequence

Emphasizes a linear order or progression, implying a defined series of steps rather than a continuous flow.

as a fluid process

Highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of something, emphasizing its non-static quality.

as a sliding scale

Presents the concept as a measure where values change proportionally, useful in quantifiable contexts.

in a range

Highlights the span between two extremes, focusing on the extent of variation rather than continuous connection.

in a series

Implies a set of discrete items or events arranged in a specific order, which can be finite rather than continuous.

in an unbroken chain

Stresses the lack of interruption or separation in a series of events or items, implying strong linkage.

FAQs

How can I use "in a continuum" in a sentence?

Use "in a continuum" to describe elements that exist along a continuous scale or spectrum, like "The colors ranged "in a spectrum" from light blue to dark navy in a continuum".

What phrases are similar to "in a continuum"?

Alternatives include "in a range", "in a sequence", or ""in a spectrum"", depending on whether you wish to emphasize a range, order, or a gradual shift.

Is it correct to say "in a continuous" instead of "in a continuum"?

While "continuous" and "continuum" are related, "in a continuous" is less common and may sound awkward. "In a continuum" is the established phrase for describing a continuous range or scale.

What's the difference between "in a series" and "in a continuum"?

"In a series" suggests discrete, separate items, while "in a continuum" implies a seamless, unbroken sequence or range. Use "in a continuum" when the elements blend or transition gradually.