Are you confused about when to use “always” versus “continue”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when it’s appropriate to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. “Always” is an adverb that means “at all times” or “on every occasion.” On the other hand, “continue” is a verb that means “to keep doing something without stopping or pausing.”
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you want to convey the idea of something that is constant and unchanging, then “always” is the way to go. For example, “I always brush my teeth before bed.” On the other hand, if you want to express the idea of something that is ongoing and uninterrupted, then “continue” is the better choice. For example, “I will continue to exercise every day.”
Now that we have a better understanding of the definitions of these two words, let’s dive into when to use each one in more detail.
Define Always
Always is an adverb that means at all times or on every occasion. It indicates a constant or unchanging state or behavior. In other words, always is a term used to describe a situation or action that is consistent and never varies.
Define Continue
Continue is a verb that means to persist or carry on with an activity or process. It indicates a continuation of an action or behavior that has already started. In other words, continue is a term used to describe a situation or action that is ongoing and not yet completed.
Here’s a table to compare and contrast the meanings of always and continue:
| Always | Continue |
|---|---|
| Constant or unchanging | Ongoing or not yet completed |
| At all times or on every occasion | To persist or carry on with an activity or process |
It’s important to note that while always and continue may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts. Always implies a consistent and unchanging behavior, while continue implies an ongoing and unfinished action.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using words correctly in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. Two words that are often misused are “always” and “continue”. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Always” In A Sentence
The word “always” is an adverb that means “at all times” or “on every occasion”. It is used to indicate that something is constant or unchanging. Here are some examples of how to use “always” in a sentence:
- She always arrives early to work.
- He always forgets his keys.
- They always go on vacation in the summer.
It is important to note that “always” should not be used in a negative context. For example, saying “I never always forget my keys” is incorrect. Instead, you should say “I sometimes forget my keys” or “I don’t always forget my keys”.
How To Use “Continue” In A Sentence
The word “continue” is a verb that means “to keep going” or “to persist”. It is used to indicate that something is ongoing or will be ongoing. Here are some examples of how to use “continue” in a sentence:
- She will continue to work on the project until it is finished.
- He plans to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree.
- They decided to continue their relationship despite the challenges they faced.
It is important to note that “continue” should not be used in a negative context. For example, saying “I don’t continue to make mistakes” is incorrect. Instead, you should say “I try not to make mistakes” or “I am working to improve my performance”.
More Examples Of Always & Continue Used In Sentences
When it comes to using “always” and “continue” in sentences, there are a variety of ways that these words can be incorporated. Here are some examples of how each word can be used:
Examples Of Using “Always” In A Sentence
- I always wake up early to start my day.
- She always wears a hat when it’s sunny outside.
- He always forgets his keys when he leaves the house.
- We always go on vacation in the summer.
- They always order pizza on Friday nights.
- She always sings in the shower.
- He always takes the stairs instead of the elevator.
- We always make sure to lock the doors before we leave.
- They always arrive on time for their appointments.
- I always try to learn something new every day.
Examples Of Using “Continue” In A Sentence
- She will continue to work on her project until it’s finished.
- He plans to continue his education by getting a master’s degree.
- We need to continue our efforts to reduce waste and improve the environment.
- They will continue to invest in new technology to stay ahead of the competition.
- She asked him to continue reading the book aloud so she could finish her work.
- He will continue to practice his guitar every day until he becomes an expert.
- We must continue to support our local businesses to keep our community strong.
- They decided to continue their discussion over lunch.
- She promised to continue volunteering at the animal shelter every weekend.
- He will continue to save money for his retirement.
As you can see, both “always” and “continue” can be used in a variety of ways to convey different meanings in a sentence. Whether you’re talking about daily habits or long-term plans, these words can help you express yourself clearly and effectively.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “always” and “continue,” there are several common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and avoid them whenever possible.
Using “Always” When “Continue” Is More Appropriate
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “always” when “continue” is the more appropriate word. For example, someone might say “I always go to the gym,” when what they really mean is “I continue to go to the gym.” This mistake can lead to confusion because “always” implies that there has never been a break in the person’s gym routine, when in reality there may have been.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to think carefully about the meaning of the words you’re using. If you’re talking about a habit or behavior that you’ve maintained over time, “continue” is often a better choice than “always.”
Using “Continue” When “Always” Is More Appropriate
On the flip side, some people use “continue” when “always” is the more appropriate word. For example, someone might say “I will continue to work hard,” when what they really mean is “I will always work hard.” This mistake can make it seem like the person is only planning to work hard for a limited amount of time, when in reality they plan to maintain that level of effort indefinitely.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to think about the duration of the behavior or habit you’re describing. If you plan to maintain it indefinitely, “always” is often the better choice.
Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be mindful of the meanings of “always” and “continue,” and to think carefully about which word is most appropriate in a given context. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
- Think about the duration of the behavior or habit you’re describing. If it’s something you plan to maintain indefinitely, “always” is often the better choice.
- Consider the implications of each word. “Always” implies that there has never been a break in the behavior or habit, while “continue” implies that it has been ongoing.
- If you’re unsure which word to use, try rephrasing the sentence using both options and see which one sounds more natural.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “always” and “continue” is not always a straightforward decision. The context in which these words are used can greatly impact their meaning and usage. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “always” and “continue” might change.
Context 1: Time
When discussing time, the word “always” typically implies a sense of permanence or consistency. For example, “I always wake up at 6 am” suggests that this is a consistent habit that occurs every day. On the other hand, “continue” implies an ongoing action without a specific endpoint. For example, “I will continue to work on this project until it is complete” suggests that the action will continue until a specific goal is achieved.
Context 2: Behavior
When discussing behavior, the word “always” can suggest a negative connotation of a consistent negative behavior. For example, “He always interrupts others when they speak” suggests that this is a negative behavior that consistently occurs. In contrast, “continue” can suggest a positive connotation of a consistent positive behavior. For example, “She will continue to volunteer at the homeless shelter every week” suggests that this is a positive behavior that consistently occurs.
Context 3: Instructions
When giving instructions, the choice between “always” and “continue” can greatly impact the clarity of the instructions. For example, “Always turn left at the stop sign” suggests that this is a consistent action that should be taken every time. On the other hand, “Continue straight until you reach the stop sign, then turn left” suggests that the action should be taken once and then a new action should be taken.
| Context | Always | Continue |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Permanence/Consistency | Ongoing action without endpoint |
| Behavior | Negative connotation of consistent negative behavior | Positive connotation of consistent positive behavior |
| Instructions | Consistent action to be taken every time | Action to be taken once, then a new action should be taken |
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of “always” and “continue” may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the rules might not apply. Below are some of the instances where these rules may be broken.
Exceptions To “Always”
1. Hyperbole: In some cases, “always” may be used as hyperbole to exaggerate a situation. For example, “I always forget my keys” is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to emphasize the frequency of the speaker’s forgetfulness.
2. Irony: “Always” may also be used ironically to convey the opposite meaning. For instance, “You always know just what to say” may be used sarcastically to indicate that the person never knows what to say.
Exceptions To “Continue”
1. Change in Action: “Continue” is typically used to indicate that an action will persist without interruption. However, if there is a change in action, the use of “continue” may not be appropriate. For example, “I will continue to study law, but I am also considering a career in journalism” would not be correct, as there is a change in action.
2. Completion of Action: If an action has been completed, the use of “continue” would not be appropriate. For instance, “I will continue to work on the project tomorrow” would not be correct if the project has already been completed.
While the rules for using “always” and “continue” are generally straightforward, these exceptions highlight the nuances of language and the importance of context. By understanding these exceptions, writers can use these words more effectively to convey their intended meaning.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of always and continue can be achieved through consistent practice. Here are some practice exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences with either always or continue:
- I _____________ brush my teeth before going to bed.
- She promised to _____________ work hard to achieve her goals.
- The rain _____________ to pour down, despite the weather forecast predicting otherwise.
- He _____________ forgets to say thank you when someone does something nice for him.
- We must _____________ to strive for excellence, even when faced with obstacles.
Answer Key:
- always
- continue
- continued
- always
- continue
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage
Choose the correct word (always or continue) to complete the following sentences:
| Sentence | Correct Word |
|---|---|
| She _____________ talks about her problems. | always |
| We must _____________ to fight for what we believe in. | continue |
| He _____________ forgets to lock the front door. | always |
| The meeting _____________ for another hour. | continued |
| They _____________ to argue over the same issues. | continue |
Explanation: In sentence 1, always is used to convey a habitual action. In sentence 2, continue is used to express the need for persistence. In sentence 3, always is used to indicate a recurring behavior. In sentence 4, continued is used to show that the meeting lasted longer than expected. In sentence 5, continue is used to suggest an ongoing conflict.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your mastery of always and continue, and use them more effectively in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proper use of “always” and “continue” can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Here are the key takeaways:
Always
- Should be used to indicate a constant or unchanging state or action.
- Should not be used to exaggerate or overstate a point.
- Should not be used in place of “often” or “frequently.”
Continue
- Should be used to indicate an ongoing action or process.
- Should not be used in place of “start” or “begin.”
- Should not be used to indicate a sudden change in direction or action.
It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and the rules surrounding its use are not always set in stone. However, by understanding the nuances of words like “always” and “continue,” you can elevate your writing and better communicate your ideas.
Encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use by exploring resources such as style guides, grammar books, and online writing communities. By continuing to hone their language skills, writers can improve their writing and better connect with their audience.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.