Continuing Success or Continued Success – Which Is Correct?

It’s always quite impressive when an individual or a company is able to achieve success and maintain it for a long time. When that happens, should we congratulate them on their “Continuing Success” or “Continued Success”?

We want to know which for is correct, and which one we should avoid.

Continuing Success or Continued Success – Which Is Correct?

“Continuing Success” and “Continued Success” are synonyms. They’re just alternate ways to express the same idea, and regardless of which one you choose to use in your sentences, the message delivered will be just the same. “Continuing Success” and “Continued Success” are acceptable and you can use your favorite.

Take a look at the examples below:

• Hannah’s continuing success was impressive, especially in such a manly field.
• Hannah’s continued success was impressive, especially in such a manly field.

• We want to send Paul a note and a gift to congratulate him on his continuing success.
• We want to send Paul a note and a gift to congratulate him on his continued success.

Above, we have two sets of examples. In each set, both sentences are the same, except for the expressions “Continuing Success” and “Continued Success”. Those phrases interchange in the sentence, showing us how each form changes the message we’re trying to convey.

Clearly, both phrases work in both sentences, without changing the message that’s being conveyed. It confirms that  “Continuing Success” and “Continued Success” are synonyms and interchangeable.

What Does “Continuing Success” Mean?

“Continuing Success” indicates a successful position that was achieved sometime in the past and maintained for a long period of time. It’s not a momentary thing or a temporary situation, but a long-term successful position.

In other words, someone who’s able to achieve “Continuing Success” remains successful, at the top of their field, for a long period of time. This is how to use “Continuing Success” in a sentence:

1. The lifetime achievement award was a testament to Andrew’s continuing success.
2. Joanna’s goal with her enterprise was to achieve continuing success and not just one successful project.
3. As a medical doctor, to have continuing success means you must continue to study and develop.
4. Continuing success should be the goal of every professional, in their career.
5. To sell the company after two decades of continuing success was quite a surprise.
6. Some people think that continuing success is sheer luck, and I couldn’t disagree more.

What Does “Continued Success” Mean?

“Continues Success” is a synonym for “Continuing Success”. It reflects a long-term, outstanding achievement an individual or company obtains, after working in their field in a successful manner for a long period of time.

Let’s look at how to use “Continued Success” in a sentence:

1. Our father’s continued success made us very proud of him.
2. Carl was a young professional, but he had many years of continued success under his belt.
3. Continued success is often the result of a long-term career. You should give yourself time to get there.
4. Bettina loved her career and was striving to achieve continued success.
5. Continued success is the ultimate goal of every entrepreneur.

As you can see, “Continuing Success” and “Continued Success” mean the same. You can choose the phrase you’re more comfortable with, that you think sounds better, and incorporate that into your vocabulary.

Which Is Used the Most?

Which one of those forms is used more often, “Continuing Success” or “Continued Success”? The graph from Google Ngram Viewer below will tell us the answer.

“Continued Success” seems to be people’s favorite form, and appears with more frequency than “Continuing Success”. Would you guess the reason why? We’re not sure, but maybe it’s just easier to pronounce, sounding more organic to the ear.

Whatever the reason is, just keep in mind that both forms are correct and acceptable, and you can always choose to use your favorite one: “Continuing Success” or “Continued Success”.

Final Thoughts

“Continuing Success” and “Continued Success” are interchangeable forms, that carry the same meaning. In other words, they’re synonyms. You can choose your favorite to express your or someone else’s success, and the message delivered will be just the same, despite using “Continuing Success” and “Continued Success”.