Can anyone explain the difference between continuer à and continuer de? thank you

Leah V.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Can anyone explain the difference between continuer à and continuer de? thank you

Asked 6 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Leah,

This is very subtle and orally this is often ignored as you will use 'de' when there is a clash of vowels-

e.g. Il a continué d'amener les enfants à l'école. ( He carried on taking the children to school.)

Normally, you will use 'continuer de' when a habit cannot be broken :

Il continue de fumer malgré ses problèmes de santé. (He carries on smoking in spite of his health problems.)

Il continue de me harceler. (He carries on harassing me.)

Nous continuerons de servir les clients à table ici! (We'll continue table service in this establishment!)

Continuer à is used when an action has started which carries on in time:

Vous continuerez à lire cette lettre chez vous. (You'll continue reading this letter at home.)

Elle continue à être dans cette situation précaire. (She continues being in this delicate situation.)

This is the theory but you will hear it used more loosely in spoken French as the French often mistake one for the other.

Hope this helps!

 

 

Leah V.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Hi Cecile,

Thanks so much for your answer.  

Best,

Leah

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Continuer à = to continue to do something

Continuer de = to continue doing something. 

Subtle, also in the English language. 

-- Chris 

Can anyone explain the difference between continuer à and continuer de? thank you

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!