Examples of Continuous and Simultaneous Actions

A action it is, in very general terms, something that is done. Everything we do is an action. However, when we have two different actions, these can be continuous or simultaneous, depending on how each one is carried out with respect to the other.

The continuous actions are those between which there is no interruption, that is, they are executed successively, one first and the other later, in an organized and sequential manner. And between them, logically, a continuity (from Latin with-, “together”, and I will have, "to retain"). For example, in a game of ping-pong, the competitors hit the ball successively, that is, continuously, until one of them misses.

In the Spanish language, continuity is expressed by adverbs Y idioms like: besides, next, immediately, later, subsequently, etc. For example, “My mother rang the bell, and right away we were at the door”

Instead, the simultaneous actions are those that occur at the same time, sharing the same unit of time, and establishing a relationship of

simultaneity (from Latin simulated-, “together”). For example, a dance couple performs movements synchronized with the music at the same time, that is, simultaneous movements, otherwise they would not be dancing with each other, but separately.

In the Spanish language, simultaneity is expressed through adverbs and phrases such as: while, at the same time, at the same time, while, simultaneously, etc. For example, “While my mother rang the bell, we prepared the party”.

Differences between continuous and simultaneous actions

The differences between continuous and simultaneous actions can be expressed as follows:

Examples of continuous actions

Some examples of continuous actions are:

1. The execution of the musical notes of a score: one first, another right away, another later.
2. Press the shift button on the keyboard and immediately the one letter button.
3. Reading a text, word by word continuously and successively.
4. Dial numbers from a phone to make a call.
5. The swaying of the waves of the sea.
6. The advance of the needles of the clock.
7. The back and forth movement of a brush when we paint the wall.
8. A 100 meter flat runner that advances without stopping.
9. The movements of the pistons of a car engine.
10. The movement of the blades of a fan on.

Examples of simultaneous actions

Some examples of simultaneous actions are:

1. The identical and precise movements of a synchronized swimming team.
2. Talk and eat at the same time.
3. Press control, alt and delete on the keyboard at the same time to reboot the system.
4. The sound of various instruments of an orchestra at a given moment of the symphony.
5. The movement of both hands when clapping.
6. While the food is heating up, set the table.
7. Watch the movie in the cinema and at the same time enjoy a treat.
8. In an argument, two people talk to each other at the same time.
9. Two theater performances that take place at the same time.

References:

• "simultaneous" in Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
• "Continuous, nua" in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
• “Simultaneous and continuous actions” (video) in I am Multigrade.
• “Etymology of simultaneous” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
• "Continuous etymology" in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.

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