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continue

A2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /kəntˈɪnjuː/

US

  • /kənˈtɪnju/

Description

To continue means to keep doing something or to resume an activity after a pause. Think of a runner in a race—they continue running even when they get tired! Or imagine reading a really good book; you continue turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.

Sometimes "continue" simply means to carry on existing. A family tradition might continue for generations, or a peaceful state of affairs can continue undisturbed. You can also continue something from where it left off, like picking up a conversation after being interrupted. It's about keeping the momentum going, whether it's an action, a story, or a way of life.

Examples

  1. 1

    Weather

    The rain continued all afternoon.

  2. 2

    Reading

    After lunch, she continued reading in the garden.

  3. 3

    Persistence

    He was tired, but he continued to work until midnight.

  4. 4

    Conversation

    “I interrupted you, sorry. Please continue.”

    • Phrase

      Please continue

      keep speaking

  5. 5

    Future conversation

    We can continue this conversation tomorrow.

  6. 6

    Moving on

    Let’s continue with the next question.

    • Pattern

      continue with + task/topic

      move on to it or keep working on it

  7. 7

    Route

    The road continues along the river for several miles.

  8. 8

    Economic trend

    Prices continue to rise faster than wages.

  9. 9

    Job role

    She continued as director for another two years.

    • Pattern

      continue as + role

      stay in the same job or role

  10. 10

    Medical advice

    If the pain continues, call your doctor.

See also

verbkeep doing or happening without stopping

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • continue to do
  • continue doing
  • continue with
  • continue as planned

Word family

Explore

  • duration
  • interruption

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • continueverb

Forms

  • continuedpast tenseverb
  • continuesverb
  • continuing-ing formverb