What is the difference between continuing and ongoing?

Definitions

continuing

- Describing an action or process that is still happening and has not yet ended.

- Referring to something that is being continued or resumed after a pause or interruption.

- Talking about something that is ongoing and expected to continue in the future.

ongoing

- Describing a situation or process that is currently happening and has been happening for some time.

- Referring to something that is still in progress and has not yet been completed.

- Talking about something that is expected to continue for an indefinite period of time.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe actions or processes that are still happening.
• 2. Both words can refer to something that has been happening for some time.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe situations that are expected to continue in the future.
• 4. Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
• 5. Both words can be used as adjectives or participles.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Continuing is more commonly used as a verb or present participle, while ongoing is more commonly used as an adjective or present participle.
• 2. Duration: Ongoing implies a longer duration than continuing.
• 3. Focus: Continuing emphasizes the continuation or resumption of an action or process, while ongoing emphasizes the fact that it is still happening.
• 4. Connotation: Continuing can imply a deliberate decision to continue or resume something, while ongoing can imply a situation that is beyond control or ongoing without any specific decision to continue.

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Remember this!

Continuing and ongoing are synonyms that describe actions or processes that are still happening. While both words have similarities, they differ in usage, duration, focus, and connotation. Continuing emphasizes the continuation or resumption of an action or process, while ongoing emphasizes the fact that it is still happening. Ongoing implies a longer duration than continuing, and continuing can imply a deliberate decision to continue or resume something, while ongoing can imply a situation that is beyond control or ongoing without any specific decision to continue.