continual

Definitions

continue + -al = relating to continuing, but with a key nuance: continual describes things that recur again and again with pauses between them, not one unbroken stretch. Continual interruptions keep stopping and starting; continuous noise never stops.

Common Collocations

• 1.continual interruptions接二连三的打断
• 2.continual change不断的变化
• 3.continual effort持续的努力
• 4.continual complaints没完没了的抱怨

Example Sentences

• 1.

  I can't work with these continual interruptions.

• 2.

  Their continual arguments wore everyone out.

Easily Confused

continual vs continuous: continual = repeated, with gaps (continual complaints — they come over and over). continuous = unbroken, no gaps (continuous pain — it never lets up). If you can count the separate occurrences, use continual; if it's one solid stretch, use continuous.