An explanation of the difference between the French verbs continuer and suivre, both of which can relate to the idea of "continuing," including their meanings, usage, and examples.
In French, both continuer and suivre can involve the idea of "continuing," but they have different meanings and uses. Continuer means "to continue" or "to keep going" with something. Suivre means "to follow" or "to take (a course, advice, etc.)." Understanding the difference helps you use each verb correctly.
Meanings
Here are the basic meanings of each verb:
- Continuer: to continue, keep going, carry on with something
- Suivre: to follow, go after, take (a course or advice), attend
Example:
- Il continue son travail. (He continues his work.)
- Elle suit un cours de français. (She is taking a French course.)
Uses of Continuer
Continuer is used for:
- Resuming or keeping up an action
- Indicating that something goes on without stopping
- Continuing along a route or path
Examples:
- Continuez tout droit. (Continue straight ahead.)
- Je vais continuer à étudier. (I will continue studying.)
- Ils ont continué la réunion. (They continued the meeting.)
Uses of Suivre
Suivre is used for:
- Following someone or something physically or metaphorically
- Attending or taking a course/class
- Following advice, instructions, or a regimen
- Keeping up with news or trends
Examples:
- Je suis mon professeur. (I follow my teacher.)
- Elle suit un cours en ligne. (She is taking an online course.)
- Tu devrais suivre ses conseils. (You should follow her advice.)
- Ils suivent les actualités. (They follow the news.)
Which type of object or complement commonly follows 'suivre'?
A person, course, advice, instructions, news, or trends (e.g., suivre son professeur, suivre un cours, suivre les conseils, suivre les actualités).
'Suivre' is followed by what or whom you are following—whether it’s a person, a course, advice, or information.
Which of the following sentences uses 'suivre' correctly?
Elle suit un cours en ligne. (She is taking an online course.)
'Suivre un cours' means to attend or take a course, which is the correct role for 'suivre' here.
When Both Can Appear
Sometimes both verbs can appear in contexts related to "continuing," but the meaning changes:
- continuer focuses on the action going on
- suivre focuses on following someone/something or participating
Examples:
- Continuer un cours → keep going with a course
- Suivre un cours → attend or take a course
- Continuer la route → keep going on the road
- Suivre la route → follow the road
Summary
- Continuer = to keep going, carry on with something
- Suivre = to follow, take, attend, or adhere to something or someone
- They are not interchangeable, so choose based on meaning:
- Use continuer for continuing actions or journeys
- Use suivre for following people/things, taking courses, or following advice
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
