When to Use Continual vs Continuous

Accuracy is an important part of scientific and medical writing. But accuracy does not only apply to technical terms and complex concepts. It also applies to common words and phrases. By using the most accurate words throughout your text, you can ensure your writing is clear, consistent, and easy for readers to understand.

One common word that I often see misused is the term continuous. Authors will use this term as a synonym for continual. Although these terms may seem similar, their definitions have important nuances that distinguish their meanings.

Definitions

Continual means to recur at regular and frequent intervals.

Continuous means to persist without pause or interruption.

Examples – Continuous

Their cardiac rhythm was monitored continuously during their hospitalization.

He received a continuous flow of oxygen through a nasal cannula.

We assessed continuous blood flow in the animals with ultrasound.

Examples – Continual

We continually measured calcium levels in the cells every 2 hours.

She received continual doses of the medication during the procedure.

The patient with COVID-19 coughed continually throughout the day.