Constant vs. Continuous: 英语单词辨析

很多同学在学习英语的过程中会混淆“constant”和“continuous”这两个词,虽然它们都表示“持续的”,但含义却有所不同。“Constant”强调的是状态或性质的持续不变,而“continuous”则强调的是动作或过程的持续不断。简单来说,“constant”是静态的持续,“continuous”是动态的持续。

让我们来看一些例句来更好地理解它们的区别:

  • Constant:

    • English: He suffered constant pain in his back.

    • Chinese: 他背部持续疼痛。(他背部一直疼。)

    • English: The machine needs constant monitoring.

    • Chinese: 这台机器需要持续监控。(这台机器需要一直监控。)

    • English: She received constant praise from her teacher.

    • Chinese: 她不断受到老师的表扬。(她一直受到老师的表扬。)

    注意到这些例子中,“constant”描述的是一种持续存在的疼痛、监控的需求和表扬的状态。

  • Continuous:

    • English: The rain fell continuously for three days.

    • Chinese: 雨连续下了三天。(雨持续下了三天。)

    • English: He made a continuous effort to improve his English.

    • Chinese: 他持续努力提高英语。(他一直努力提高英语。)

    • English: The machine is running continuously.

    • Chinese: 机器持续运转。(机器一直运转。)

    这些例句中的“continuous”描述的是下雨、努力和机器运转这些持续进行的动作或过程。

再举一个例子来对比: A constant headache is different from continuous headaches. 持续性的头痛和连续不断地头痛是不同的。前者指的是一种持续存在的头痛,而后者指一次又一次的头痛,虽然中间可能有短暂的间歇。

Happy learning!

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