to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the action of persisting in an activity or process. Example: "We will need to continue our discussion after the break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To continue?

The New Yorker

Only to continue diamonds.

The New York Times

"We have to continue.

The New York Times

We'd like to continue".

The New York Times

But to continue.

The New York Times

"It's going to continue".

The New York Times

Ready to continue?

The New York Times

That life seems to continue.

The New Yorker

This trend was to continue.

The New Yorker

Expect the jitters to continue.

The Economist

This looks likely to continue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to continue" when you want to indicate the uninterrupted progression of an action, state, or process. It is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to continue" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The project is to be continued by another team", opt for "Another team will continue the project" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to continue" typically functions as an infinitive, often used to express purpose or intention. It indicates the action of proceeding or prolonging an activity or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46.67%

Wiki

23.33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to continue" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive, widely used to express the ongoing nature of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "to proceed" or "to resume", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function and context, you can confidently use "to continue" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to proceed

Replaces "continue" with a more formal synonym, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

to go on

Similar to "carry on" but slightly more neutral in tone.

to carry on

Offers a more casual alternative, implying persistence or continuation despite challenges.

to keep going

Provides an informal option, emphasizing the effort and determination to persist.

to resume

Indicates restarting an activity after an interruption, implying a temporary pause rather than a complete stop.

to keep up

Suggests maintaining a certain pace or standard, implying continuous effort.

to persist

Highlights the act of continuing despite obstacles or resistance, suggesting a strong will.

to maintain

Emphasizes keeping something in its current state, ensuring its continuation.

to prolong

Focuses on extending the duration of something, often used in contexts involving time or life.

to perpetuate

Focuses on causing something to continue indefinitely, often used in a more formal or critical context.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "to continue"?

Alternatives to "to continue" include "to proceed", "to carry on", "to keep going", and "to resume". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

How can I use "to continue" in a sentence?

You can use "to continue" to indicate that an action or state will persist, for example: "We need to continue this discussion later", or "The investigation will continue until all the facts are uncovered".

Is "to continue" formal or informal?

"To continue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider more precise synonyms like "to proceed" or "to maintain" depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "to continue" and "to resume"?

"To continue" implies an uninterrupted progression, while "to resume" suggests restarting something after a pause. For example, you continue working on a project without stopping, but you resume work after a lunch break.