What is the difference between continual and continuous?

Continual means repeated with breaks, while continuous means uninterrupted. They look similar but are not interchangeable on the GRE.

Continual vs Continuous

repeated with breaks

uninterrupted

continuOUS = one Unbroken Stream, no gaps. continuAL = repeated Again and again with pAuses in between (the A = gAps).

Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.

Question 1

The interruptions throughout the lecture, one every few minutes, made it nearly impossible for the professor to develop any sustained argument.

Choose: continual or continuous

Show answer

Answer: continual

"one every few minutes" signals repetition with breaks = continual; continuous (unbroken) is wrong because the interruptions have gaps.

Question 2

A hum emanated from the generator, never once faltering during the eight hours the crew monitored it.

Choose: continual or continuous

Show answer

Answer: continuous

"never once faltering" signals an unbroken sound = continuous; continual (recurring with breaks) is wrong.

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