Continual vs. Continuous

Have you ever wondered about the differences between these two? No? Well, since they can be tricky sometimes, I'll show you how to use them correctly.

What Is Their Main Difference?

They both refer to the repetition of an action, but 'continual' shows that something happens repetitively and then stops. In other words, it comes and goes, whereas, 'continuous' shows that something keeps happening non-stop.

Differences

As stated above, 'continual' and 'continuous' both indicate that an action is happening more than once. The important thing is that 'continual' refers to a kind of action that stops sometimes and then continues. Look:

I'm happy we have continual rain in London.

The continual noise from upstairs really annoyed my grandma.

However, 'continuous' is about an action that does not stop. It merely goes on non-stop. Check out the following examples for more clarification:

Continuous arguments really sicken me.

She's tired of having these useless, continuous conversations with you.

Similarities

Their main similarity is that both of these adjectives show that an action is being repeated. Look at the following examples:

The continual texting is making me frustrated.

The continuous noise from upstairs suddenly stopped.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both of these adjectives refer to the repetition of an action, they cannot be used interchangeably because one shows that the action sometimes stops, while the other one shows that the action goes on non-stop. Compare:

Continuous nagging is not something anyone would tolerate.

Here, the sentence is indicating that the nagging was going on non-stop.

Continual nagging is not something anyone would tolerate.

Here, the sentence is indicating that nagging happens at regular intervals.

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