Cool MateContinue vs Let's just move on vs Proceed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Continue
Let's just move on
Proceed
| Continue | Let's just move on | Proceed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛts dʒʌst muːv ɒn//🇺🇸 //lɛts dʒʌst muːv ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// |
| Meaning | To keep doing something without stopping. | Let's go to the next topic or idea. | To go forward or continue doing something. |
| Example | Please continue with your presentation after the break. | After the dispute, she said, 'Let's just move on to our next agenda item.' | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | continue doing, continue with, continue on, continue to speak, continue until | move on to the next point, move on from the past, quickly move on, politely move on, easily move on | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan |
| Antonyms | stop, cease, halt | - | stop, halt, cease |
| Common mistakes | 'Continue' followed by a noun instead of a gerund (e.g., 'continue the project' instead of 'continue doing the project'), Confusing 'continue' with 'resume' — 'resume' implies starting again after a pause, Using 'continue to' followed by an adjective (incorrect) instead of a verb (correct) | Using it in a serious context where it's inappropriate., Confusing it with 'move forward' which means to progress instead of transition., Not using it when a discussion is dragging on. | Confused with 'proceeding' (the noun form)., Incorrectly using 'to' when 'with' is needed., Using it in passive voice (e.g., 'be proceeded' is incorrect). |
| Usage notes | Use 'continue' when talking about ongoing actions or processes. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, but can sound too formal in casual conversations. Avoid using in contexts where you're suggesting to start something new. | Commonly used in conversations to indicate a change of subject. Suitable for both casual and formal settings, but avoid in very serious discussions. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management. |
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Frequently asked questions: Continue vs Let's just move on vs Proceed
What's the difference between Continue, Let's just move on, and Proceed?
Continue: To keep doing something without stopping. Let's just move on: Let's go to the next topic or idea. Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something.
Which is more advanced: Continue, Let's just move on, and Proceed?
Proceed is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Continue: Please continue with your presentation after the break. Let's just move on: After the dispute, she said, 'Let's just move on to our next agenda item.' Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.
Can I use Continue, Let's just move on, and Proceed interchangeably?
Not always. Continue, Let's just move on, and Proceed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.