CONTINUAL vs CONTINUOUS – What’s the Difference?

CONTINUAL vs CONTINUOUS – What’s the Difference?

The words CONTINUAL and CONTINUOUS are very similar in meaning but there is a subtle difference.

The video uses 4 pictures and sentence examples to demonstrate the difference between CONTINUAL and CONTINUOUS. By associating an image with a sentence example, a strong connection is made in the mind and you will see clearly how to use each of these words.

Here is a transcript of the video “What is the Difference Between CONTINUAL & CONTINUOUS?”

Slide 2:
What is the difference between CONTINUAL & CONTINUOUS?

CONTINUAL

Definition: a sequence where an action is repeated frequently

CONTINUOUS

Definition: an action that is repeated without interruption, non-stop

So CONTINUAL is something that happens regularly with gaps in between, whereas CONTINUOUS refers to something that happens constantly without interruption.
Let’s look at some examples to make it clear . . .

Slide 3:
Sentence example: He is the proud owner of a classic car, but unfortunately, it does need almost continual repair.

Meaning: the car needs repairing regularly or frequently

Slide 4:
Sentence example: Many users get frustrated with the continual updates to their smartphone and apps.

Meaning: smartphones seem to update frequently

Slide 5:
Sentence example: During the monsoon season there can be continuous rainfall for several days.

Meaning: during the monsoon season it doesn’t stop raining for days

Slide 6:
Sentence example: The continuous news channel, Cable News Network (CNN) was launched in June, 1980, and subsequently changed the world of news media.

Meaning: CNN broadcasts news round the clock, 24/7 with no interruptions.

Slide 7:
So the words CONTINUAL and CONTINUOUS are similar but with one major difference:

CONTINUAL is something that happens regularly with gaps in between, whereas CONTINUOUS refers to something that happens constantly without interruption.

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Slide 11:
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If you are interested in the difference between CONTINUAL vs CONTINUOUS, be sure to check another video which explains words commonly confused with each other:
FAMOUS vs INFAMOUS – What’s the Difference?

Image Credits

Slide 3 – classic car
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/5T5cHT

Slide 4 – smartphone
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/U1pLnm

Slide 5 – monsoon
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/8mLera

Slide 7 – CNN
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/5eHrf6

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode