Both continuar and seguir can express the idea of “continuing” an action, but they are used differently and have distinct nuances.
- continuar: more formal/literary, often followed by infinitive, nouns, or gerunds.
- seguir: more common in everyday speech, can mean “to keep doing” something, often followed by gerund.
- seguir also has other meanings like “to follow,” so context is important.
. Usage
The main difference is that continuar is more neutral and formal, while seguir is more dynamic and common in spoken language.
- continuar = “to continue” (neutral, formal)
- seguir = “to keep on,” “to continue,” or “to follow” (more informal and versatile)
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Both can be followed by an infinitive or a gerund, but seguir + gerund is much more common and natural in everyday speech.
. Examples
Both verbs can express continuation of actions, but with different emphasis or style.
Continuar (more formal/literary):
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Continuamos con el informe. | We continue with the report. |
| Continuó hablando durante una hora. | He continued speaking for an hour. |
| Continuaré estudiando mañana. | I will continue studying tomorrow. |
Seguir (more common/informal):
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Sigo con el informe. | I’m still working on the report. |
| Siguió hablando durante una hora. | He kept on talking for an hour. |
| Seguiré estudiando mañana. | I will keep studying tomorrow. |
. Grammar
Both verbs can be followed by infinitive, but seguir + gerund is especially common.
| Pattern | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| continuar + infinitivo | Continúo leyendo el libro. | I continue reading the book. |
| continuar + gerundio | (Less common) Continuando leyendo, aprendí más. | Continuing to read, I learned more. |
| seguir + infinitivo | Sigo leer el libro. (incorrect) | — |
| seguir + gerundio | Sigo leyendo el libro. | I keep reading the book. |
️ Important: Don’t use seguir + infinitive. Always use seguir + gerundio (gerund form).
. Common Phrases
| Verb | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| continuar | Continúa con tu trabajo. | Continue with your work. |
| continuar | Continuaron la reunión después del almuerzo. | They continued the meeting after lunch. |
| seguir | Sigue adelante sin miedo. | Keep going without fear. |
| seguir | Sigo esperando tu respuesta. | I’m still waiting for your reply. |
Choose the correct verb: “__________ adelante sin miedo.” (Keep going forward without fear.)
Sigue
'Sigue adelante' is a common informal phrase meaning "keep going forward." 'Continúa adelante' is grammatically correct but less common in spoken language.
. Special Meanings of Seguir
Seguir can also mean “to follow” (someone or something).
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| Sigo a ese cantante en Instagram. | I follow that singer on Instagram. |
| El perro sigue a su dueño. | The dog follows its owner. |
In these cases, continuar cannot be used.
. Summary
- Use continuar for formal, neutral “continue.”
- Use seguir + gerundio for informal “keep on doing something.”
- Don’t use seguir + infinitivo.
- Remember seguir can also mean “to follow.”
Both choice convey the idea of continuation, but segui
r is more common and versatile, especially in conversational Spanish.
What is the main grammar rule about ‘seguir’ you must remember when expressing continuation?
You must use 'seguir' + gerundio, never 'seguir' + infinitivo.
In Spanish, continue using 'seguir' with a gerund (e.g., 'seguir hablando'). Using 'seguir' + infinitive is grammatically incorrect.
Flashcards (1 of 16)
- English: We continue with the report.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
