continually

Everyday

1. Continually means again and again, very often, with short breaks in between. tree →
2. Sometimes it is used to mean all the time, without stopping. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories it often shows something is annoying or tiring: «He continually interrupts». In science it can describe something that keeps happening: the Earth is continually moving. It tells the reader that an action repeats a lot. Often confused with «continuously».

Examples

• My little brother continually asks «Why?». tree →
• The teacher had to remind them continually to stay in their seats. tree →
• The phone rang continually all afternoon. tree →
• The coastline is continually changing because of the waves. tree →
• She was continually late for football practice. tree →
• Scientists are continually finding new species in the rainforest. tree →
• Prices in the shop seem to go up continually. tree →
• "What is it you are continually grumbling about?" tree →

Note

Adverb from the adjective «continual». Spelled with double l: continually. Trap: «continually» usually means repeated with gaps (the dog barked continually all night, in bursts), while «continuously» means without any break at all (the river flows continuously). Many people mix them up, and in casual talk they are often used the same way.

In Jewish tradition

Means regularly, day after day, as with the lamps, the altar fire and the daily lambs.

Interpretation. The tradition teaches that the altar fire was never allowed to go out, and the daily offerings show a constant bond with God.

Examples

• He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually. (Torah LEV.24.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shall not go out. (Torah LEV.6.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar: two lambs of the first year day by day continually. (Torah EXO.29.38, JPS 1917) tree →
• The mercy of God endureth continually. (Writings PSA.52.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. (Prophets 1KI.14.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. (Writings 2CH.12.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from the adjective «continual». Spelled with double l: continually. Trap: «continually» usually means repeated with gaps (the dog barked continually all night, in bursts), while «continuously» means without any break at all (the river flows continuously). Many people mix them up, and in casual talk they are often used the same way.