Learning is a continuous process in Legal English
Legal English Innovation
Continuous vs. Continual
Learning is a continuous process. That is the long-held belief that we are always learning. This isn’t true but simply due to a mixed-up adjective. The correct adjective we want is continual, not continuous. Learning is a continual process.
Let me explain.
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The Rule
Continuous is non-stop (uninterrupted). Every second no break, no rest, no breath. Continual on the other hand (and the less used word) often the more correct option, means for a little while, then stop take a break, and then back to action.
They often get mixed up in common cases of testimonies, telephone calls, or speeches, or any event that can take place in a short-period of time, (i.e., five to ten minutes), as well as something that can occur many times over a long-period of time.
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Continuous
Continuous as used in passive voice as an adjective.
- The wiretapping was continuous and lasted for almost two hours. One singular event.
Continuously as used in active voice as an adverb.
- The agents continuously wiretapped the man in question for almost two hours.
Continual
Continual as used in passive voice as an adjective.
- The wiretapping was continual and lasted for over two months. Several events.
Continually as used in active voice as an adverb.
- The agents continually wiretapped the man in question for almost two months.
Final tips to remember:
So, to sum up. Learning anything is a continual process, especially languages. Trying to learn continuously is impossible, as with playing an instrument, going to the gym, or many other skills, long-term regular practice is the key.
About the Author
Eric Froiland
Eric is a legal English teacher from the United States and has been based out of Bogota, Colombia for the last 10 years. He is a guest columnist at Ambito Jurídico, and the owner and founder of Legal English Innovation SAS, which is recognized as the top legal English academy in Colombia and is an official Test of Legal English Skills (TOLES) examination center.
