Many English learners wonder whether they should say continue working or continue to work.
At first glance, the two expressions seem identical because both describe an action that goes on without stopping.
However, once you begin writing emails, essays, reports, or even everyday messages, choosing between them can feel surprisingly confusing.
The good news is that both “continue working” and “continue to work” are grammatically correct.
The real difference is not about right versus wrong—it’s about style, emphasis, and context.
In some situations, one phrase sounds smoother and more natural, while in others, the alternative fits better.
This confusion exists because the verb continue can be followed by either:
- a gerund (verb + -ing)
- an infinitive (to + base verb)
Unlike many English verbs that allow only one structure, continue accepts both. That flexibility is helpful, but it also leaves many learners wondering which option native speakers actually prefer.
If you’ve ever asked questions like these, you’re in the right place:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- Is continue to work more formal?
- Are they interchangeable?
- Which one do native English speakers use more often?
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
This guide answers all of those questions with clear grammar explanations, real-life examples, and practical writing tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use “continue working,” when to use “continue to work,” and when either choice works perfectly.
Quick Answer
Both continue working and continue to work are grammatically correct.
- Continue working uses a gerund (working) and is often more natural in everyday conversation and informal writing.
- Continue to work uses an infinitive (to work) and is slightly more common in formal, academic, or professional writing.
- In most situations, the meaning is the same, so you can choose the version that sounds more natural in your sentence.
Continue Working vs Continue to Work: At a Glance
| Feature | Continue Working | Continue to Work |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Structure | Continue + gerund (-ing) | Continue + infinitive (to + verb) |
| Grammatical Correctness | ✔ Correct | ✔ Correct |
| Meaning | Keep working without stopping | Keep working without stopping |
| Difference in Meaning | Usually none | Usually none |
| Everyday Conversation | Very common | Common |
| Professional Writing | Common | Very common |
| Academic Writing | Common | Slightly preferred in formal contexts |
| Business English | Natural and concise | Slightly more formal |
| Formality | Neutral | Neutral to slightly formal |
| Naturalness | Very natural in speech | Very natural in writing |
| American English | Widely used | Widely used |
| British English | Widely used | Widely used |
| Best Use | Daily conversations, emails, workplace communication | Formal reports, academic papers, official documents |
| Can They Be Interchanged? | Yes, in most cases | Yes, in most cases |
Quick Summary: In modern English, both expressions are acceptable. The choice usually depends on writing style, rhythm, and the level of formality rather than grammar.
Are “Continue Working” and “Continue to Work” Both Correct?
Yes. Both “continue working” and “continue to work” are correct English.
The verb continue is one of the few English verbs that can naturally be followed by either:
- a gerund (working)
- an infinitive (to work)
Because English allows both structures, neither phrase is considered incorrect by major grammar references or modern style guides.
For example:
- We will continue working until the project is complete.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Both sentences express exactly the same idea. A native English speaker would understand either version without hesitation.
In fact, many writers choose between them simply because one sounds smoother in a particular sentence.
Why Do People Think One Must Be Correct?
Many English learners are taught that some verbs must be followed by either:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- or an infinitive (decide to leave)
Since continue accepts both, learners often assume there must be a hidden grammar rule that makes one wrong.
There isn’t.
Instead, the difference is mainly one of:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- writing style
- emphasis
- personal preference
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
That’s why you’ll find both forms in newspapers, books, academic journals, company websites, and everyday conversations.
What Do Native English Speakers Prefer?
Native speakers use both expressions every day.
However, there are some noticeable tendencies.
“Continue Working”
This version often sounds:
- shorter
- smoother
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- slightly more direct
Examples:
- Please continue working while I answer this call.
- She continued working late into the evening.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Because it is concise, you’ll hear it frequently in spoken English.
“Continue to Work”
This version often sounds:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- a little more deliberate
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Examples:
- The company will continue to work with local communities.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- We will continue to work closely with our partners.
Although the difference is subtle, many professional writers prefer this form in formal documents because the infinitive can create a smoother, more polished rhythm.
Is There Any Difference in Meaning?
For almost all situations, no.
Compare these sentences:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She continued to work after lunch.
Both tell us that she kept working after lunch.
Likewise:
- The engineers continued working overnight.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Again, there is no meaningful change.
The action is exactly the same.
Why Do Both Forms Exist?
English has gradually become more flexible over time.
Some verbs accept only one grammatical pattern:
- enjoy reading ✔
- enjoy to read ✘
Others accept only the infinitive:
- decide to leave ✔
- decide leaving ✘
The verb continue belongs to a smaller group that comfortably allows both patterns.
Other verbs with similar flexibility include:
- begin
- start
- like
- love
- hate
For example:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She started to run.
Both are perfectly acceptable, just as with continue.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re writing or speaking in everyday situations, you generally can’t go wrong with either expression.
A simple guideline is:
- Choose continue working when you want your sentence to sound concise and conversational.
- Choose continue to work when writing formal documents, reports, research papers, or official communications.
The difference is one of style, not correctness.
What Does “Continue Working” Mean?
Continue working means to keep doing work without stopping or after a temporary pause. It follows the grammar pattern continue + gerund (-ing form).
This is one of the most common ways native English speakers express an ongoing action. It sounds natural, concise, and fluent in both spoken and written English.
Although it is widely used in formal writing, continue working is especially common in conversations, workplace communication, emails, and everyday situations.
Definition
Continue working means to keep working, carry on working, or resume working after an interruption.
It emphasizes that the activity of working is ongoing.
Examples:
- Please continue working while I check the report.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- We will continue working on the project next week.
In each sentence, the work does not end—it simply carries on.
Grammar Structure
The phrase follows this pattern:
Continue + Gerund (-ing Form)
Formula
Subject + continue + verb-ing
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- He continued studying after dinner.
- We continued talking during the meeting.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Here, working is a gerund, which functions as the object of the verb continue.
Meaning in Modern English
In modern English, continue working usually suggests that someone keeps an activity going.
The focus is on the ongoing process rather than the decision to perform the action.
For example:
- The employees continued working despite the power outage.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- The team continued working throughout the weekend.
In all three examples, the emphasis is on the uninterrupted activity.
When Native Speakers Use “Continue Working”
Native speakers often choose continue working because it sounds shorter and more conversational.
You’ll hear it in situations like:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- phone calls
- casual emails
- classroom discussions
- daily conversations
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Examples:
- Can everyone continue working for another hour?
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- They decided to continue working from home.
- We should continue working until we finish.
In speech, this version often feels more natural because it avoids the extra word to.
Common Situations Where “Continue Working” Sounds Natural
At Work
- Please continue working while I speak with the client.
- Everyone continued working during the system update.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
At School
- Students should continue working quietly.
- The teacher asked us to continue working independently.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
During Meetings
- Let’s continue working on the proposal tomorrow.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- The committee continued working despite several disagreements.
At Home
- I continued working after dinner.
- She continued working on her painting all weekend.
- They continued working in the garden until sunset.
Professional Writing Examples
In business communication, continue working sounds clear and direct.
Examples:
- We will continue working with our partners to improve customer service.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- The support team is continuing working around the clock to resolve the issue.
- Employees should continue working remotely until further notice.
- The department will continue working toward its annual goals.
Academic Writing Examples
Although academic writing often uses continue to work, continue working is still perfectly acceptable.
Examples:
- Researchers continued working on the experiment despite limited funding.
- Scientists continue working to improve renewable energy technologies.
- Students should continue working on their assignments throughout the semester.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Everyday Conversation Examples
Native speakers frequently use this expression in casual speech.
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She continued working even though she was tired.
- Can you continue working while I answer the phone?
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- They continued working until everything was finished.
Notice how natural and effortless these sentences sound.
Business Communication Examples
You’ll often see continue working in workplace messages and internal communication.
Examples:
Please continue working on the client presentation. We’ll review the final draft tomorrow.
Team Chat
Everyone can continue working while the IT team fixes the server.
Project Update
We will continue working according to the original schedule.
Manager’s Announcement
The office will remain open, and employees should continue working as normal.
Common Mistakes with “Continue Working”
Although the phrase is simple, learners sometimes make avoidable mistakes.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Form
❌ Continue work.
✔ Continue working.
Why?
After continue, use either a gerund (working) or an infinitive (to work), not the bare verb or noun.
Mistake 2: Adding an Extra “To”
❌ Continue to working.
✔ Continue working.
✔ Continue to work.
You must choose one structure, not both.
Mistake 3: Confusing It with “Keep Working”
Although both phrases are correct, they have slightly different styles.
- Keep working. (More conversational and often used as encouragement.)
- Continue working. (More neutral and suitable for both speech and writing.)
Mistake 4: Using It Where Another Verb Is Better
Sometimes continue sounds too formal.
Instead of:
We continued working on the game all afternoon.
You could also say:
We kept working on the game all afternoon.
Both are correct, but kept working is more informal.
What Does “Continue to Work” Mean?
Continue to work means to keep working or carry on working without stopping. It follows the grammar pattern continue + infinitive (to + base verb).
Like continue working, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used by native English speakers. In most cases, the meaning is exactly the same. The difference lies mainly in style, sentence rhythm, and formality rather than meaning.
You’ll often see continue to work in formal writing, business documents, news articles, academic papers, and official announcements.
Definition
Continue to work means to keep doing work, remain engaged in work, or resume working after an interruption.
It emphasizes that the action of working goes on.
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She continued to work after returning from vacation.
- The team will continue to work on the project next month.
In each example, the work carries on without ending.
Grammar Structure
The phrase follows this pattern:
Continue + Infinitive (to + Base Verb)
Formula
Subject + continue + to + base verb
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She continued to study despite the challenges.
- We continue to improve our services.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Here, to work is an infinitive, functioning as the complement of the verb continue.
Meaning in English
In modern English, continue to work generally means to keep performing an action over time.
Sometimes the infinitive places a slight emphasis on the continuation itself, especially in formal writing. However, for most readers and listeners, the meaning is the same as continue working.
Compare these examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- We will continue to work with local communities.
Both sentences communicate exactly the same message.
When Native Speakers Prefer “Continue to Work”
Although both forms are common, native speakers often choose continue to work in more formal contexts.
Typical situations include:
- official statements
- government announcements
- research papers
- business reports
- company policies
- news reporting
- public speeches
Examples:
- The organization will continue to work toward its environmental goals.
- Scientists continue to work on new medical treatments.
- We continue to work closely with international partners.
The infinitive structure can make formal writing sound slightly more polished.
Common Situations Where “Continue to Work” Is More Natural
Official Announcements
- The city will continue to work with emergency services.
- We will continue to work toward improving public safety.
- The department continues to work on new initiatives.
Business Reports
- The company will continue to work with existing suppliers.
- Management continues to work on improving employee satisfaction.
- Our team will continue to work efficiently throughout the transition.
Academic Writing
- Researchers continue to work on developing more accurate models.
- Universities continue to work with industry partners.
- Scholars continue to work toward a deeper understanding of the issue.
News Writing
- Rescue teams continue to work at the disaster site.
- Experts continue to work on identifying the cause.
- Officials continue to work with local authorities.
Professional Writing Examples
In professional communication, continue to work is a frequent choice because it sounds measured and formal.
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- Our staff will continue to work diligently to improve customer satisfaction.
- The company continues to work toward long-term sustainability.
- We appreciate your support and will continue to work hard to exceed expectations.
- Our engineers continue to work on resolving the issue.
Academic Writing Examples
Many academic writers prefer the infinitive structure because it blends well with formal prose.
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- Scientists continue to work toward reducing environmental pollution.
- The authors continue to work with international research teams.
- Students should continue to work independently throughout the project.
Everyday Conversation Examples
Although slightly more formal, continue to work still sounds perfectly natural in daily speech.
Examples:
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
- She decided to continue to work from home.
- They continue to work together every weekend.
- We’ll continue to work until everything is finished.
- Continue Working vs Continue to Work
Native speakers often switch between this form and continue working without thinking about it.
Business Communication Examples
You’ll regularly find continue to work in workplace communication.
We will continue to work closely with your team to ensure a successful launch.
Project Update
Our developers continue to work on improving system performance.
Company Announcement
We remain committed and will continue to work toward delivering excellent service.
Client Letter
Thank you for your trust. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.
Common Mistakes with “Continue to Work”
Even though the phrase is straightforward, learners sometimes make small grammar errors.
Mistake 1: Omitting “to”
❌ Continue work.
✔ Continue to work.
✔ Continue working.
The infinitive requires to before the base verb.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Verb Form
❌ Continue to working.
✔ Continue to work.
The infinitive is always to + base verb, never to + -ing.
Mistake 3: Thinking It Is More Correct Than “Continue Working”
Some learners believe continue to work is the only correct form because it appears more often in formal writing.
That’s a misconception.
Both expressions are grammatically correct, and neither is inherently better.
Mistake 4: Overusing the Infinitive
Using continue to work in every sentence can make your writing sound repetitive.
For example:
We will continue to work with customers and continue to work on improving our services.
A smoother version is:
We will continue working with customers while continuing to improve our services.
Varying your sentence structure creates more natural writing.
Continue Working vs Continue to Work: The Main Difference
At first glance, continue working and continue to work appear to be identical—and in most situations, they are. Both expressions mean to keep working without stopping or to resume working after a pause.
The real difference isn’t about correctness. Instead, it’s about grammar structure, writing style, sentence rhythm, and emphasis.
If you’re looking for a simple answer:
Both are correct. Use continue working for a more natural, conversational tone, and continue to work when you want a slightly more formal or polished style.
Let’s look at the differences in more detail.
Difference in Grammar
The biggest difference is the grammatical structure.
| Continue Working | Continue to Work |
|---|---|
| Continue + gerund (-ing) | Continue + infinitive (to + verb) |
| Continue working | Continue to work |
Examples:
- She continued working after lunch.
- She continued to work after lunch.
Both sentences are grammatically correct because the verb continue can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive.
Winner: No winner. Both structures are accepted in standard English.
Difference in Meaning
For the vast majority of sentences, there is no difference in meaning.
Compare these examples:
- We continued working until midnight.
- We continued to work until midnight.
Both tell the reader exactly the same thing.
Likewise:
- Scientists continue working on a cure.
- Scientists continue to work on a cure.
Again, the meaning is identical.
Key Point: Changing from one form to the other rarely changes the message.
Difference in Tone
Although the meaning stays the same, the tone can feel slightly different.
Continue Working
Often sounds:
- More conversational
- More direct
- More relaxed
- More natural in speech
Examples:
- Let’s continue working.
- I’ll continue working tomorrow.
- They continued working all afternoon.
Continue to Work
Often sounds:
- Slightly more formal
- More polished
- More suitable for official writing
Examples:
- We will continue to work with our international partners.
- The committee will continue to work toward its objectives.
- Researchers continue to work on innovative solutions.
The difference is subtle, and many readers won’t consciously notice it.
Difference in Style
Writing style often influences the choice.
Continue Working
Writers may choose this form because it is:
- Shorter
- Simpler
- More concise
- Easier to read
Example:
The team continued working despite the weather.
Continue to Work
Writers may choose this version because it creates a smoother rhythm in formal sentences.
Example:
The organization will continue to work closely with community leaders.
Neither style is better—the best choice depends on the context.
Difference in Formality
Both phrases are appropriate in formal English, but continue to work is slightly more common in official documents.
More Common in Informal Contexts
- Continue working
Examples:
- Please continue working while I answer the phone.
- I’ll continue working after lunch.
More Common in Formal Contexts
- Continue to work
Examples:
- We will continue to work toward improving public services.
- Our staff will continue to work closely with stakeholders.
Remember, this is a preference, not a grammar rule.
Difference in Sentence Flow
Sometimes one version simply sounds better because of the surrounding words.
Compare:
✔ We will continue working on the project.
✔ We will continue to work with the project team.
In the first sentence, the gerund creates a smooth, compact structure.
In the second, the infinitive flows naturally before the prepositional phrase with the project team.
Experienced writers often choose the version that sounds more balanced when read aloud.
Difference in Emphasis
Some editors suggest that the infinitive can place slightly more emphasis on the action that follows.
Compare:
- The company will continue working on customer service.
- The company will continue to work on customer service.
The second sentence may sound a little more deliberate, but the difference is very subtle. Most native speakers would treat them as equivalent.
Difference in Natural Usage
In everyday conversation, continue working often feels quicker and more natural.
Examples:
- Keep going. Continue working.
- I’ll continue working until you’re back.
- She’s continuing working from home this week.
In contrast, continue to work is frequently heard in interviews, presentations, and official statements.
Examples:
- We continue to work with government agencies.
- The research team continues to work on improving the process.
- Our organization will continue to work toward its long-term goals.
Both expressions are part of natural, fluent English. The choice depends more on style and context than on grammar.
FAQs
Is continue working grammatically correct?
Yes. Continue working is grammatically correct. It follows the pattern continue + gerund (-ing) and is widely used in everyday conversation, business communication, and professional writing.
Is continue to work grammatically correct?
Yes. Continue to work is also grammatically correct. It uses the continue + infinitive (to + verb) structure and is common in formal, academic, and official writing.
What is the difference between continue working and continue to work?
The main difference is style, not meaning. Continue working often sounds more natural and conversational, while continue to work can sound slightly more formal. In most situations, they are interchangeable.
Which is more common: continue working or continue to work?
Both expressions are common in modern English. Continue working is heard more often in everyday speech, whereas continue to work appears more frequently in reports, news articles, academic writing, and official documents.
Can I use continue working and continue to work interchangeably?
Yes. In most cases, you can use either phrase without changing the meaning. The choice depends on the tone, sentence flow, and level of formality rather than a grammar rule.
Which form is better in business writing?
Both are acceptable, but continue to work is slightly more common in formal business documents, proposals, and official announcements. For internal emails and everyday workplace communication, continue working sounds equally natural.
Which expression is better for academic writing?
Academic writers often prefer continue to work because it blends well with formal prose. However, continue working is also grammatically correct and appropriate when it fits the sentence naturally.
Do American English and British English prefer different forms?
No. Both American English and British English use continue working and continue to work. Neither form is exclusive to one variety of English, and both are considered standard.
Should English learners memorize one form?
No. Since both expressions are correct, it’s better to learn when each one sounds more natural rather than memorizing only one. Developing a feel for context and sentence flow will help you write more like a native speaker.
Final Verdict
There is no single winner in the Continue Working vs Continue to Work debate because both expressions are grammatically correct and widely accepted in modern English.
If your goal is to sound natural and conversational, continue working is often the better choice. It is concise, flows smoothly, and is commonly used in everyday speech, workplace conversations, and informal writing.
If you’re writing a formal report, academic paper, business proposal, or official statement, continue to work may be a slightly better fit. The infinitive structure often creates a more polished and formal tone.
I am Julian Brooks, an English language enthusiast and content writer at EnglishAcademy. I create clear grammar lessons, vocabulary guides, and writing tips to help learners improve their English with confidence every day.