ENGLISH
REFERENCE

continue

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //kənˈtɪnju// UK //kəntˈɪnjuː// con·tin·ue General-service Slang

v. to keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping. You use this when an activity or state stays the same over time.

v. to persist in an activity or process without interruption; to resume an activity after a pause. Transitive or intransitive depending on whether the action is specified by a direct object or a following infinitive/gerund.


SIMPLE

We will continue the meeting after lunch.

CONTEXTUAL

The rain is expected to continue throughout the night, so please keep your windows closed.

COMPLEX

Despite several technical setbacks during the initial phase, the research team decided to continue their investigation into the long-term effects of the new medication.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English continuen, from Old French continuer, from Latin continuāre. Displaced native Middle English thurghwonen, from Old English þurhwunian.

Usage

Can be followed by a noun, a to-infinitive, or a gerund (-ing form) with little change in meaning.

Pitfall

he continues do his workhe continues to do his workThe verb must be followed by an infinitive ('to do') or a gerund ('doing'), not a base verb.

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