continue to play vs continue playing

Both 'continue to play' and 'continue playing' are correct and are commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably in most contexts without any significant difference in meaning.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 20, 2024

continue to play

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when emphasizing the continuation of an action or activity. It is often followed by a specific verb, such as 'play,' 'work,' 'read,' etc.

Examples:

I will continue to play the piano every day to improve my skills.
She decided to continue to play soccer despite her injury.
We should continue to play games that challenge our minds.

Show examples from the web [+]

France must continue to play its own role, which it does very seriously.
The Commission is ready to continue to play an active part in this process.
It is clear that renewable energies continue to play a more direct role in many businesses and industries in our society.
Issues of the safety and quality of food continue to play a very special part in this.
We're asking you to ensure the local scientists who made the discovery continue to play a significant role.
We will ensure that the applicant countries continue to play an important role in discussions on matters of mutual interest and common concern.
Voluntary organisations should also continue to play a vital role in a broader exchange programme.
We must all continue to play an active and constructive role in the enlargement process.
And here, the European Union must continue to play a key role.
Agri-environment-climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society's increasing demands for environmental services.
In regions which are dependent on fisheries, however, the Union should continue to play a role to bring structural solutions about.
Agri-environmental payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society's increasing demand for environmental services.
And so I understand we are united in the wish to continue to play a leading part.
Our Union must continue to play an active role in putting in place and consolidating a permanent peace agreement in the Middle East.
Football can in fact only continue to play a social and educational role if matches take place without violence.
The EU must continue to play a leading role in the absence of a legally binding agreement.
The European Union must continue to play a leading role and to speak with one voice on environmental issues.
First of all, it is the developed countries which are being called upon to continue to play a leading role.
We would like to ensure that collecting societies can continue to play an indispensable role in promoting new and minority repertoire locally.
I strongly believe that the EU must continue to play as active a role as possible in brokering a peace between both sides.

Alternatives:

keep playing
carry on playing
go on playing
persist in playing
proceed with playing

continue playing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is also used to indicate the continuation of an action or activity. It is often followed by a specific verb, such as 'play,' 'work,' 'read,' etc.