continual or continuous? The classic illustration of the difference between these two closely related adjectives compares a dripping tap (continual – occurring constantly, again and again and again with breaks in between) with a flowing tap (continuous – continuing in an unbroken stream). It follows from this that continual is generally the word to use with a plural noun (continual interruptions; continual requests for this record), whereas either word may accompany a singular noun: a continual (constantly renewed) or continuous (unceasing) bombardment by the enemy