"non continuous" vs "non-continuous"

Question

"non continuous" vs "non-continuous"

Both "non-continuous" and "non continuous" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Non-continuous" is typically used as a compound adjective to describe something that is not continuous, while "non continuous" may be used when the two words are not functioning as a compound adjective.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase may be used when the words "non" and "continuous" are not intended to function together as a compound adjective, but rather as separate words in a sentence.

Examples:

The data is non continuous, with gaps in between the values.
The function is non continuous at certain points.
The process is non continuous due to frequent interruptions.
The line appears non continuous because of the breaks in the pattern.
The spectrum is non continuous, showing distinct bands of color.

Alternatives:

not continuous
lacking continuity
broken
disjointed
discontinuous

This phrase is used to describe something that is not continuous, such as non-continuous data or non-continuous functions.

Examples:

The non-continuous line on the graph represents the intermittent data points.
The non-continuous function has distinct intervals of definition.
Non-continuous variables can be challenging to work with in statistical analysis.
The non-continuous spectrum showed distinct peaks at specific wavelengths.
The non-continuous nature of the process required frequent stops and starts.

Alternatives:

discontinuous
intermittent
broken
disjointed
discrete

Answer 1

non continuous

This is correct when the two words are not functioning as a compound adjective.

Answer 2

non-continuous

This is a correct compound adjective commonly used in English.

"non continuous" vs "non-continuous"

non continuous

non-continuous

Related Comparisons