Meng
Is there any difference in usage between “continuous”, “continual”, and “consecutive” I know people tend to say consecutive days (years) in stead of continuous days. But is there any specific rule to distinguish between the three? Thanks for your reply in advance!
Dec 19, 2012 3:50 AM
Answers · 4
Consecutive= periods of time (days, years, months) that run together, Example: The Yankees won the World Series in consecutive years more than any other team. December, January, and February are three consecutive months. Best, better, very good are the consecutive grading scale on my brother's website. Continuous=(more of a scientific word) an adjective describing an action that never ceases. Example: Sharks are said to be in continuous motion, even when they are asleep. Continual=also an adjective, also can be used as an adverb (continually). Continual describes something that happens over and over again. Example: Do to continual speeding violations, the driver had his license suspended. The continual noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor was the reason he was thrown out of our apartment building.
December 19, 2012
Continuous and continual can more or less be used interchangeably. However, consecutive means one after the other. For example 1, 2, 3, 4 are consecutive numbers. 2 is consecutive to 1. We wouldn't say these are continuous or continual numbers.
December 19, 2012
Consecutive and Continuous are synonyms, in that they mean the same thing. Continual is very similar in meaning, however, unlike the other two words, it implies that something has gone on for a long period of time with some intermittent interruptions. I hope this helps!
December 19, 2012
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