What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
remain
Example
I will remain here until you return. [remain: verb]
Example
There are only a few pieces of cake remaining. [remaining: adjective]
Example
The weather remained sunny throughout the day. [remained: past tense]
continue
Example
Let's continue with our work after lunch. [continue: verb]
Example
The rain continued to fall all night. [continued: past tense]
Example
She plans to continue her studies next semester. [continue: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Continue is more commonly used than remain in everyday language. Continue is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while remain is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between remain and continue?
Both remain and continue are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.