Continuance vs. continuation: what’s the difference?
The short answer
While both words relate to the concept of continuing, continuation often refers to the process of something being continued or resumed after an interruption, such as a story, activity, or event. Continuance, on the other hand, can refer to the duration during which something exists or lasts, and is also commonly used in legal contexts to mean a postponement or adjournment of a court proceeding to a later date.
What they have in common
Both continuance and continuation derive from the verb continue and refer to the act or state of something continuing over time.
Examples
continuance
- The lawyer requested a continuance to prepare further evidence.
- The continuance of the peaceful state was largely due to the new policies.
- The project’s continuance depends on the approval of additional funding.
continuation
- The continuation of the story picks up where the last book left off.
- The meeting’s continuation will take place after lunch.
- They were pleased with the continuation of the program despite budget cuts.
Which one is more common?
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us