Cool MateProceed vs We can continue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Proceed
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
We can continue
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Proceed | We can continue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// | 🇬🇧 //wiː kən kənˈtɪn.juː//🇺🇸 //wi kən kənˈtɪnju// |
| Meaning | To go forward or continue doing something. | We can keep going. |
| Example | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. | After the break, we can continue with the presentation. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan | continue the conversation, continue the work, continue a journey, continue a tradition, continue doing something |
| Antonyms | stop, halt, cease | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'proceeding' (the noun form)., Incorrectly using 'to' when 'with' is needed., Using it in passive voice (e.g., 'be proceeded' is incorrect). | Using 'can' instead of 'could' for past ability., Confusing 'continue' with 'go on' in complex sentences., Inserting unnecessary words like 'to' before 'continue'. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management. | Commonly used to express the idea of carrying on with an activity. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Proceed vs We can continue
What's the difference between Proceed and We can continue?
Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something. We can continue: We can keep going.
Can you show an example of each?
Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. We can continue: After the break, we can continue with the presentation.
Can I use Proceed and We can continue interchangeably?
Not always. Proceed and We can continue 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.