Meaning
The pattern ~続ける expresses the continuation or repetition of an action over a period of time. It is formed by attaching 続ける to the ます stem of a verb. This grammar pattern is only used with durative verbs (verbs that describe actions that can logically continue), such as 説明する (explain), 見る (look), or する (do).
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词ます形 | 続ける |
Examples
-
わたしの先生はとても熱心です。学生が問題を理解するまで、ずっと説明し続けるのです。
My teacher is very dedicated. She continues explaining until the students completely understand the problem. -
あの人は、長い時間空を見続けた。
That person kept staring at the sky for a long time. -
あの野球選手は、引退しても野球関係の仕事をし続けています。
Even after retiring, that baseball player continues to work in baseball-related jobs.
Summary
- Form: Verb ます-stem + 続ける
- Only works with durative verbs that describe actions capable of continuing
- Emphasizes the ongoing nature or persistence of an action across time