sense of continuity

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of continuity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the feeling of connectedness or predictability that can apply to events, beliefs, people, or things. For example, "The family reunion gave us a sense of continuity, reminding us of our deep connections across the generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It helps provide a sense of continuity".

The New York Times

It's useful to give the markets a sense of continuity".

The New York Times

You get a sense of continuity that's important".

The Guardian - Tech

But the sense of continuity between the plays runs deep.

The New York Times

He draws strength and a sense of continuity from trees.

The New York Times

What distinguishes Karr's writing is the sense of continuity.

The New York Times - Books

And a sense of continuity – religion is good at that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bricks from the original structure have been reused, adding a pleasant sense of continuity.

The Guardian - Arts

Indeed, Koolhaas's buildings have a cinematic sense of continuity: rooms dissolve into one another.

The New Yorker

Again, I felt a sense of continuity, of lives crossing over, and I felt restored.

The Guardian - Travel

Nonetheless, he said his bill would "provide a better sense of continuity" for monitoring parolees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of continuity" when you want to highlight the importance of connection over time, especially when referring to traditions, relationships, or historical narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of continuity" when you simply mean 'consistency' in a short-term context. "Continuity" implies a longer duration or a connection to the past, so ensure that your usage reflects this broader temporal dimension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of continuity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As affirmed by Ludwig, it describes a feeling or awareness of connection, flow, or coherence, often linking past, present, and future elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sense of continuity" is a well-established and grammatically sound expression that highlights the feeling of connectedness and coherence, as supported by Ludwig. It finds prevalent usage in news media, scientific discourse, and formal business communication. To ensure precise usage, remember that it conveys long-term connections rather than short-term consistency. When writing, consider exploring alternatives like "feeling of connectedness" or "narrative thread" to capture subtle differences in meaning. Recognizing this phrase's significance enriches communication by emphasizing enduring links over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of connectedness

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being linked or joined.

feeling of connection to the past

Focuses specifically on linking present experience to previous times.

experience of coherence

Highlights the logical and consistent relationship of elements.

impression of predictability

Stresses the expectation of consistent outcomes or behaviors.

idea of stability

Underlines the state of being resistant to change or disruption.

awareness of connection

Highlights the realization of being linked or associated with something.

stream of experience

Highlights the flowing nature of ongoing events and happenings.

narrative thread

Suggests a storyline or connecting element linking various events.

sense of belonging

Focuses on the feeling of being integrated into a group or place.

feeling of integration

Implies the act or process of unifying separate things.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Maintaining a "sense of continuity" in our company's values helps us stay true to our mission", or "The old photographs provided a "sense of continuity" with our family history".

What's a good substitute for "sense of continuity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feeling of connectedness", "narrative thread", or "idea of stability".

Does "sense of continuity" refer to the past, present, or future?

"Sense of continuity" primarily refers to a connection or link between the past and the present. It often implies that something from the past remains relevant or influential in the present, or will endure into the future.

What's the difference between "sense of continuity" and "sense of security"?

"Sense of continuity" refers to a feeling of connection over time, especially to the past. "Sense of security", on the other hand, relates to feeling safe and protected from harm or danger.