Wednesday 23 February 2011

English Lessons - Continual, Continuous


People tend to use the word 'continuous' to describe all sorts of ongoing processes. Some are not even aware that they need to use the word 'continual', while others are not sure when to use what.

You use continual when referring to a process of duration that is frequently interrupted.

Example - In Mumbai, it rains continually from June to October during the monsoon.

You use continuous when referring to an uninterrupted process of duration.

Example - It rained continuously from morning to lunchtime today.

'Continuous' indicates something happening non-stop, while 'continual' indicates something repetitive but interrupted. Don't confuse the two.

You can view my full article on Indianisms, on CNNGo: http://www.cnngo.com/mumbai/life/10-indianisms-652344

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