ENGLISH
REFERENCE

continually

adv. freq.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kənˈtɪnjuəɫi// UK //kəntˈɪnjuːəli// con·tin·u·al·ly

adv. happening many times over a long period, often in a way that is annoying. It describes something that keeps starting again and again.

adv. occurring repeatedly or frequently over a duration of time. Often carries a negative prosody when describing persistent interruptions or recurring problems.


SIMPLE

The old roof continually leaks during the rainy season.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was continually delayed by minor technical issues that the team failed to address early on.

COMPLEX

Throughout the negotiations, the representative was continually interrupted by protestors, making it nearly impossible to deliver a coherent statement to the press.

Origin

From continual + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb or between the auxiliary and the main verb.

Pitfall

The heart beats continually.The heart beats continuously.Use 'continually' for things that happen again and again with breaks; use 'continuously' for things that never stop for a second.

© 2026 English Reference