loss of continuity

USAGE SUMMARY

"loss of continuity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a lack of consistency or a break from a pattern. For example, "The recent changes in our company have resulted in a loss of continuity throughout the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Worst of all, from the Pythons' point of view, was the loss of continuity.

The New Yorker

But he and his players sustain them without any loss of continuity or tension in this luminous performance.

The New York Times

He likes to begin sequences, shift the camera in mid-scene, drop out connecting footage; the result is an intentional loss of continuity and psychological consistency.

The New Yorker

Over all, they described a lack of responsiveness by health care providers, poor communication and confusion, a loss of continuity of care and, most alarmingly, medical mistakes.

The New York Times - Health

That is somewhat more complicated in this case, because precipitous changes in the middle of a war could mean a loss of continuity and institutional knowledge.

The New York Times

18 NEW YORK/REGION 33-39 Lofs of Continuity, Then Loss of Influence New York City already has a government with a legislative branch in the shadow of the executive.

The New York Times

He might begin with something like a roar -- a wonderful musical roar, sounding like the wind but absolutely controlled in color and intonation -- and then slip to a tender or comic tone, all in an instant and yet seamlessly, with no loss of continuity or personality.

The New York Times - Arts

Condylar erosion was defined as loss of continuity of the condylar articular cortex (Fig. 1) [8].

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Test results demonstrate that ice crystallization in a permafrost fringe (T=0 °C to −3 °C) leads to the formation of continuous ice-filled cracks which explain the loss of rock continuity and the observed rock failures.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

The authors identify an "anxious middle", comprising around half the population, who simultaneously value ethnic diversity and mourn a loss of cultural continuity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most obvious defects seen in the pubococcygeal muscle were asymmetry in thickness and loss of fiber continuity.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical or scientific contexts, "loss of continuity" can precisely describe physical breaks, such as fractures or damaged tissues. This use provides a clear, technical description of a structural problem.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of continuity" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "interruption" or "break" are often more appropriate and natural in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of continuity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its acceptance within standard grammatical conventions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loss of continuity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a state of disruption or separation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's accepted in standard written English and finds common application across diverse fields. Its use is particularly prevalent in scientific and medical contexts for describing physical breaks or disruptions, as well as in professional and academic discussions. While versatile, "loss of continuity" leans toward a formal register, making it less suitable for casual conversations. When writing, consider its precise meaning and opt for simpler terms like "interruption" or "break" in informal settings. Remember that Ludwig examples illustrate its suitability for describing abstract concepts or concrete damages, making it valuable for clear, technical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discontinuity

A more formal synonym, referring to a break or lack of continuousness.

interruption of flow

Highlights a disruption in a smooth, continuous movement or process.

disruption in sequence

Focuses on the disturbance of a structured order.

break in succession

Emphasizes an interruption in a series or sequence.

gap in progression

Highlights a missing step or interval in a series of events.

absence of connection

Indicates a lack of linkage or relationship between elements.

lack of cohesion

Stresses the absence of unity or close connection.

intermittent nature

Focuses on the sporadic and non-continuous occurrence of something.

fragmentation

Emphasizes the breaking apart into smaller, disconnected pieces.

severance of ties

Highlights the cutting off of relationships or connections.

FAQs

How can I use "loss of continuity" in a sentence?

You can use "loss of continuity" to describe breaks in a sequence, interruptions in a process, or physical separations. For example, "The high employee turnover resulted in a "loss of continuity" of care".

What are some alternatives to "loss of continuity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "disruption", "interruption", or "break". In more formal settings, "discontinuity" may be suitable.

Is it better to say "lack of continuity" or "loss of continuity"?

Both "lack of continuity" and "loss of continuity" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Lack of continuity" implies an absence from the beginning, while "loss of continuity" suggests something was once continuous but is no longer so.

What does "loss of continuity" mean in a medical context?

In medicine, "loss of continuity" often refers to a physical break or separation, such as a fracture in a bone or a tear in tissue. It indicates a structural defect where something that should be whole is now divided.