English Reference
Adverb

continuously

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /kənˈtɪnjuəsɫi/ UK /kəntˈɪnjuːəsli/ con·tin·u·ous·ly

adv.happening without any stops or breaks. You use this when something keeps going in a steady way for a long time.

adv.without interruption or cessation; in an unbroken sequence. Often used to describe mechanical processes or natural phenomena that do not pause.


SIMPLE

The machine runs continuously throughout the night.

CONTEXTUAL

The waterfall flows continuously, providing a steady source of power for the nearby village.

COMPLEX

In the high-tech laboratory, sensors monitor the temperature of the samples continuously to ensure that even a minor fluctuation does not compromise the integrity of the experiment.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall
The rain fell continually for three days.The rain fell continuously for three days.

Learners often confuse 'continually' (happening frequently but with breaks) with 'continuously' (happening without any breaks at all).

The cameras continuously scan the landscape from towers and mountain tops.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Unlike solar storm radiation, GCR arrive continuously at much higher energies, which makes them harder to shield against.

Ars Technica· 13 Aug 2026

Common in science writing


From continuous + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated