Continual vs Continuous: Quick Guide with Sentence Examples

These two adjectives mean almost the same thing, but there is a difference. 

Continuous describes something that goes on without pausing, stopping, or breaking.

Continual refers to something that happens very regularly—so that it might feel almost continuous:

Their continual arguing drove everybody crazy.

There is a continuous highway going along the entire west coast of America.

One may note that continual is almost always used for events in time, and continuous for space, as illustrated above, although this is not a rule. This is only because events in time are usually not truly continuous, but rather repeated, while physical shapes are more likely to be truly continuous.

How to Use "Continual" in a Sentence

1. Our corporate culture is one of continual innovation and professionalism.
2. We are committed to providing continual support and exceptional customer service.
3. Continual evolution is the key to success in today's business world.
4. These measures will allow us to provide a continual and uninterrupted service.
5. The continual roar of the engine combined with the constant noise from the street outside was too much for me.
6. My boss makes continual changes to the schedule, which makes it difficult to plan anything!
7. We've had continual problems with the plumbing in the basement.
8. The continual sound of the waves crashing against the shore was soothing.
9. Rain had been falling for hours, with no sign of it letting up—a continual downpour.
10. Gary has had continual pain in his back for the past few weeks.

How to Use "Continuous" in a Sentence

1. The party lasted all night—continuous ruckus from 8 P.M. until 2 A.M.
2. The continuous beeping of the alarm clock was getting on my nerves.
3. Last night, Simon cried continuously for hours before he finally fell asleep.
4. The machine was running continuously for days before it finally broke down.
5. When I arrived home, I was met by a pesky salesperson, who talked continuously for 20 minutes about signing up for his company’s pest control.
6. My home on the hill has a gorgeous view of….the continuous stream of cars driving down the highway during rush hour.
7. Their relationship was in a state of continuous flux, each day more wonderful—or more terrifying—than the last.
8. A continuous ringing in my ears was just one of the annoying side effects from the medicine the doctor had prescribed.