Continue to Do vs. Continue Doing – Which is Correct?
Both “continue to do” and “continue doing” are grammatically correct. They usually mean the same thing: an action carries on. “Continue doing” sounds more natural in many everyday sentences, while “continue to do” can sound slightly more formal or emphasize the ongoing action. Choose either based on style and context.
Continue to Do or Continue Doing – Which is Correct?
Both continue to do and continue doing are correct English constructions. The verb continue can be followed by either an infinitive, such as to study, or a gerund, such as studying.
In most contexts, the two forms have the same meaning: an activity began earlier and does not stop. For example, She continued to work and She continued working both mean that she kept working.
Continue doing is often more conversational and emphasizes that an activity is already in progress. Continue to do can sound slightly more formal, and writers sometimes use it to emphasize a repeated action, a change from one activity to another, or a future continuation.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “same meaning” swap test. Replace continue to + verb with continue + verb-ing. If the sentence still expresses the idea of carrying on, both forms are acceptable.
For example:
- Please continue to read.
- Please continue reading.
Both sentences are correct. As a general style tip, choose continue doing for a natural, direct tone and continue to do when you prefer a more formal or deliberate style.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| continue to do | Verb phrase | Keep performing an action | They continued to discuss the issue. |
| continue doing | Verb phrase | Keep performing an action | They continued discussing the issue. |
How to Use Continue to Do
Continue to do consists of continue, followed by the infinitive form to do. It means to keep performing an action or to carry on with a situation. This construction is completely standard in American English and is also common in formal writing, instructions, reports, and academic prose.
Although it often has the same meaning as continue doing, the infinitive can sometimes highlight a particular action that follows another action or state. Context determines whether this distinction is important.
Example 1: The researcher continued to examine the evidence after the meeting.
Example 2: Please continue to follow the safety instructions.
Example 3: The company continued to expand despite the difficult market.
Etymology of the Phrase Continue to Do
The verb continue comes from the Latin continuare, meaning “to make continuous” or “to join together.” It entered English through Old French. English later developed the pattern of using continue with an infinitive, producing constructions such as continue to work and continue to learn.
How to Use Continue Doing
Continue doing consists of continue followed by a gerund, or an -ing form that functions as a noun-like complement. It means to keep carrying out an activity that is already underway.
This form is especially natural in everyday conversation and direct instructions. It often presents the activity as a continuous process, making it a clear choice when the action has already begun.
Example 1: She continued working until everyone else had gone home.
Example 2: If the pain continues getting worse, contact a doctor.
Example 3: The students continued discussing the problem after class.
Etymology of the Phrase Continue Doing
The verb continue has Latin and Old French roots, while the -ing form developed from Old English forms used to create verbal nouns and participles. Modern English combines these elements in the pattern continue + gerund, as in continue learning or continue improving.
Related Concepts
Understanding infinitives and gerunds makes it easier to see why both forms after continue are grammatical.
- Infinitive: An infinitive usually consists of to plus the base form of a verb, as in to read, to work, or to improve. In continue to read, the infinitive completes the meaning of continue.
- Gerund: A gerund is an -ing verb form functioning as a noun or complement. In continue reading, reading identifies the activity that carries on.
- Verbs followed by two patterns: Some verbs, including continue, can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund without a major change in meaning.
- Aspect: Verb aspect shows how an action unfolds over time. The verb continue signals that an action remains in progress or is repeated.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples reflect the kinds of constructions commonly found in books, films, journalism, and public communication.
- Novels: A narrator may write, “He continued to walk through the empty streets,” using the infinitive to describe the next stage of an ongoing journey.
- News reports: A report might state, “Officials continued to investigate the cause of the accident,” using a formal style suitable for journalism.
- Films and television: A character may say, “Continue doing what you’re doing,” using the gerund in a natural spoken instruction.
- Academic writing: A study may conclude that “the treatment continued to produce positive results,” using the infinitive in a formal analytical context.
- Public instructions: A teacher, coach, or presenter might say, “Continue practicing until the movement feels natural,” using the gerund for a direct, conversational command.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. In every example, both forms may be grammatically possible, but select the option that best matches the stated context.
- The children continued (to play / playing) in the yard after lunch.
- The report stated that prices continued (to rise / rising) throughout the quarter.
- Despite the interruption, please continue (to speak / speaking).
- The athlete continued (to train / training) every morning.
- The organization will continue (to support / supporting) local schools.
Answer Key
- to play or playing — both are correct.
- to rise or rising — both are correct.
- to speak or speaking — both are correct.
- to train or training — both are correct.
- to support or supporting — both are correct.
Continue to Do Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Keep doing | To continue an activity or behavior |
| Carry on | To proceed with an activity |
| Persist | To continue despite difficulty or opposition |
| Proceed | To continue or move forward, often formally |
Continue Doing Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Keep doing | To remain engaged in an activity |
| Carry on doing | To continue an activity without stopping |
| Persist in | To continue with determination |
| Maintain | To keep something at the same level or in the same condition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is it correct to say “continue to do”?
Yes. Continue to do is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal English.
Question 2: Is “continue doing” grammatically correct?
Yes. Continue doing is also correct. It commonly sounds natural in conversation and emphasizes an activity that is already in progress.
Question 3: Is there a difference between “continue to do” and “continue doing”?
Usually, there is no significant difference in meaning. Continue doing can sound more conversational, while continue to do may sound more formal or may emphasize a particular action or stage.
Conclusion
Both continue to do and continue doing are correct. Use continue doing for a natural, conversational tone, or choose continue to do for a slightly more formal or deliberate style. In most sentences, either construction works. Pro Tip: Consistent, accurate grammar strengthens your professional reputation, so choose the form that best suits your audience and tone.
