what are the differences or ru;les for using Last vs. Continue?
ESL
2006-07-06 18:00:36 · 8 answers · asked by chigaimasu 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
"to last" is usually used in the context of something withstanding the passage of a lot of time or environment, e.g. I expect their marriage will last.
"to continue" emphasizes that an _action_ doesn't stop.
You could say, "I expect their marriage to continue being strong." Here the continuation is the action of being strong.
2006-07-06 18:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The difference is time.
The word "Last" implies there is an end to something.
The word, "Continue" implies that something is on-going.
Examples:
The perscription that I received from my doctor is to last me for a month. He said that if the pain continues, to call his office for another appointment.
She continues to arrive late for work, despite the warnings I gave her. This is her last chance, if comes in late, I will fire her.
I hope this helps.
Dave
2006-07-07 01:10:32 · answer #2 · answered by Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can look at it like this ... "to last". If you ask "How long does this movie last" you're asking about the length of the movie.
Continue means "keep going" or "don't stop". Continue means to keep going or keep doing something, implying this will keep going for an unknown amount of time.
2006-07-07 01:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by drw311 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To last means that something goes on and on.....For example, The flavor of gum lasts and lasts.
To continue means that something has stopped, and then resume......For example, The movie will continue after the commercial break.
2006-07-07 01:07:52 · answer #4 · answered by Taffi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"To Last" is about endurance. It is a reference to the durability of a thing.
"To Continue" is about action.
A mountain can last a very long time. A bicyclist must continue to peddle his bike to reach the top of a hill.
2006-07-07 01:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I understand the question, "to last" implies a definite period of time, whereas "to continue" is indefinite.
Continue can also be repetitive, whereas last isn't.
Cool question!
2006-07-07 01:06:48 · answer #6 · answered by OriginalSim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"to last" means 'not stop existing, not stop functioning, or sometimes not stop living'
"to continue" means 'not stop [a general action]'
examples:
My car is old but in good condition. I hope it LASTS another 5 years.
(meaning I hope it won't stop functioning)
Although it was hot outside, I CONTINUED working all day. (meaning I didn't stop working)
2006-07-07 01:09:41 · answer #7 · answered by Paul N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to continue implies existing for an indefinite or indeterminate period of time whereas to last implies existing until some condition arises or is met, i.e. a definite or bounded period of time
2006-07-07 04:29:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋