Both continuer and suivre can relate to the idea of continuing in French, but they are used in different contexts. Continuer means "to continue" or "to keep doing" something, while suivre means "to follow" or "to take" (as in a course or path).
Usage
- Continuer: used to indicate that an action, state, or process is being continued without stopping.
- Suivre: used to indicate that someone is following something (like instructions, a course, a path), which can imply continuation in that context.
Summary
| Verb | Meaning of “to continue” | Usage Note | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| continuer | to continue / keep on doing something | Directly expresses continuation of an action or state | je continue à lire |
| suivre | to follow / take something in sequence | Often means "follow along" or "take" (a course, instructions), implying continuation | je suis le cours |
Examples
continuer
- Je continue à lire. — I keep on reading.
- Elle continue son travail. — She continues her work.
- Nous continuons malgré tout. — We continue despite everything.
- Continuez tout droit. — Keep going straight. / Continue straight ahead.
She continues her work.
Elle continue son travail.
'Continuer + noun' is used here to show that she keeps on doing her work, making 'Elle continue son travail' the correct choice.
suivre
- Je suis le cours de français. — I’m taking (following) the French course.
- Il suit les instructions. — He follows the instructions.
- Nous suivons le chemin dans la forêt. — We follow the path in the forest.
- Suis-moi jusqu’à la sortie. — Follow me to the exit.
What kind of object does 'suivre' take in the sense of continuing or following?
a direct object noun (e.g., le cours, les instructions)
'Suivre' is followed by a direct object noun representing what is being followed, such as 'le cours' or 'les instructions.' It does not take an infinitive.
Grammar
continuer
- Can be followed by:
| Construction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| continuer + à + infinitive | continue to [verb] | Je continue à étudier. |
| continuer + de + infinitive (formal) | continue to [verb] | Je continue de travailler. |
| continuer + noun | continue + [noun] | Il continue son discours. |
- Most common: continuer à + infinitive
She continues her work.
Elle continue son travail.
'Continuer + noun' is used here to show that she keeps on doing her work, making 'Elle continue son travail' the correct choice.
suivre
- Followed by a direct object (usually a noun):
- le cours, les instructions, le chemin, quelqu’un
- Does not take an infinitive after suivi in this sense.
What kind of object does 'suivre' take in the sense of continuing or following?
a direct object noun (e.g., le cours, les instructions)
'Suivre' is followed by a direct object noun representing what is being followed, such as 'le cours' or 'les instructions.' It does not take an infinitive.
Summary
| Verb | Usage | Construction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| continuer | to keep on doing | continuer + à + infinitive <br> continuer + de + infinitive <br> continuer + noun | continue to [verb] <br> continue + [noun] | Je continue à lire. <br> Elle continue son travail. |
| suivre | to follow / take | suivre + noun | follow / take [something] | Je suis le cours. <br> Il suit les instructions. |
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
