To be continued Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtoʊ biː kənˈtɪndɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, phrase

Definition

A phrase used to indicate that something is being continued, often used in writing and storytelling, often to cliffhanger or suspense, marking the end of a chapter, episode, or installment.

Examples

• The story is being continued in the next chapter.
• The show will return with a twist, to be continued.

Synonyms

• Conclusion
• Continuation

Antonyms

• Finale
• Conclusion

Additional Information

To be continued is a phrase commonly used in serial storytelling, such as comic books, television shows, and films, to create suspense and anticipation for the next installment. It is often used to leave the audience with a cliffhanger, making them eager to find out what happens next.

The phrase is also used in literature, particularly in novels and short story collections, to signal the end of a chapter or installment and to create a sense of anticipation for the following chapter.

In modern times, the phrase is often used in digital media, such as web comics and online series, to create engagement and encourage readers or viewers to come back for more.

Etymology

The phrase “to be continued” originates from the English language and is a literal translation of the Latin phrase “continuari,” meaning “to be continued.” It is believed to have originated in the 15th century and has since become a common phrase in storytelling.

Usage Notes

To be continued is a phrase typically used to conclude a chapter, episode, or installment, leaving the audience with a cliffhanger or suspense.

In written works, the phrase is often used at the end of a chapter or section, while in television shows, it is used at the end of an episode.

The phrase is often used in conjunction with cliffhangers, plot twists, or surprise endings to create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the next installment.

Cultural References

To be continued has been used in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature. Some notable examples include:

• Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) – The phrase is used to conclude the film, leaving the audience with a cliffhanger.
• The Sopranos (1999-2007) – The show used the phrase at the end of its final episode, leading to controversy among viewers.
• The Walking Dead (2010-2022) – The show frequently used the phrase to conclude its episodes and seasons, often with cliffhangers.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions that include the phrase “to be continued” include:

• “The story is to be continued” – This phrase is often used to indicate that a story will be continued in a future installment.
• “The adventure will be continued next week” – This phrase is often used in television shows and films to indicate that the story will continue in the next episode or installment.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that include “to be continued” are:

• Continuation
• Conclusion
• Cliffhanger

Collocations

To be continued is often used with collocations such as:

• to be continued next week
• to be continued in the next chapter
• to be continued in the next installment

Frequency of Use

The phrase “to be continued” is frequently used in storytelling, particularly in serial formats such as television shows, comic books, and films.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the phrase “to be continued” include:

• To bee continued
• To be contined
• To continioued