just a continuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a continuing" is not standard in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in informal contexts where one is trying to express an ongoing situation or action, but it lacks clarity. Example: "This project feels like just a continuing struggle with no end in sight."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The retreat to ground level was just a continuing nightmare.

The Guardian

"For Pat to stand up and share her health news is just a continuing example of her courage.

The New York Times - Sports

The film is essentially just a continuing aerial shot of these burning oilfields set to beautiful music.

The Guardian - Film

"I think this is all just a continuing strategy of sensationalizing the case to make it look more dangerous than it is," he said.

The New York Times

This time next year there will be no fresh start to embrace; just a continuing race to be ready for England 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's just a continuing self-destructive market where even the slightest good news is considered negative," said Peter I. Cardillo, chief market economist at Avalon Partners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If we don't drastically curb our population growth and adopt nature-friendly farming methods as a matter of urgency, we could experience not just a continued steady eradication but a cliff-edge phenomenon.

The Guardian

Discovery is rarely for the better, just another projection of a continuing nightmare.

The Guardian - Books

But in the way she smiles and gloats the move seems just a play in a continuing gender battle.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not just about continuing a tradition but also a community of friends and family," says Serrao.

The New York Times

The number taking the paper fell to just 18,000, continuing a trend away from less academic subjects.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise language to convey the specific type of continuation you mean. For example, specify whether it's a "gradual", "steady", or "uninterrupted" continuation.

Common error

Avoid using "just a continuing" in formal or academic writing. This phrase can sound vague and may not provide enough detail. Opt for stronger verbs or adjectives to describe the ongoing nature of the subject more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a continuing" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, usually preceding a noun. It indicates that something is simply in a state of continuation without significant change or interruption. As Ludwig notes, the phrase is not always the most elegant choice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just a continuing" is a phrase used to describe something that is simply in a state of continuation, often without any significant changes or new elements. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is not always the most elegant choice and can often be replaced with more precise alternatives, especially in formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While common, using more specific language enhances clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a continuation

Emphasizes the aspect of simple continuation without adding extra elements.

simply a continuing

Highlights the simplicity of the ongoing nature.

only a continuing

Stresses the limitation to just a state of continuation.

merely an ongoing

Similar to 'merely a continuation' but uses 'ongoing' instead of 'continuing'.

purely a continuing

Highlights that the situation is exclusively continuing.

solely a continuing

Similar to 'purely a continuing', emphasizing the exclusivity of the ongoing nature.

just a persistent

Replaces 'continuing' with 'persistent', focusing on the steadfastness of the state.

simply an extended

Changes 'continuing' to 'extended', shifting emphasis slightly towards duration.

merely an elongated

Similar to 'simply an extended', but utilizes 'elongated' to describe the prolonged aspect.

only a prolonged

Focuses on the duration aspect of the continuous nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "just a continuing" in a sentence?

You can use "just a continuing" to describe something that is simply in a state of continuation. For example, "The project felt like "merely a continuation" of previous struggles".

What can I say instead of "just a continuing"?

Alternatives include "simply a continuing", "merely an ongoing", or "only a continuing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "just a continuing" or "simply a continuation"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "simply a continuation" might be preferred in formal writing for its clarity and directness.

What's the difference between "just a continuing" and "merely a continuation"?

While similar, "merely a continuation" emphasizes the lack of additional elements or changes beyond the ongoing state, while "just a continuing" is a more conversational way to express the same idea.