If you’ve come across con’t, cont’d, and cont., it’s easy to wonder which one is correct. While these forms all refer to continued, they aren’t equally accepted in standard English.
Using the wrong abbreviation can make business documents, academic papers, or published content look unprofessional.
The good news is that the rule is simple. In this guide, you’ll learn whether con’t or cont’d is correct, when cont.
is the better choice, and how to use these abbreviations correctly with clear, practical examples.
Con’t or Cont’d: Quick Answer
Cont’d is the correct contraction of continued, and cont. is the standard abbreviation used in many formal documents. Con’t is not a standard English abbreviation and should be avoided.
| Form | Correct? | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cont’d | Yes | Books, publishing, screenplays |
| Cont. | Yes | Business, academic, and professional writing |
| Con’t | No | Not recommended |
Example:
❌ Chapter 5 (con’t)
✅ Chapter 5 (cont’d)
✅ Chapter 5 (cont.)
What Does Continued Mean?
Continued means something carries on without ending or resumes in the next section, page, or part. Writers often shorten the word when they need to save space in a document.
Example:
Instead of writing:
The report is continued on the next page.
You can write:
The report (cont. on next page).
Why Is Con’t Incorrect?
Con’t is incorrect because it isn’t a recognized abbreviation for continued. Standard English writing uses cont’d or cont. instead, and con’t isn’t supported by major dictionaries or common editorial practice.
Many people write con’t because it looks similar to contractions like don’t or can’t, but continued isn’t shortened that way.
Example:
❌ Appendix A (con’t on next page).
✅ Appendix A (cont. on next page).
Why Is Cont’d Correct?
Cont’d is correct because it’s a recognized contraction of continued. It has been used for many years in publishing, editing, and screenplay formatting, making it familiar to readers and editors.
Example
Scene 4 (cont’d)
This tells readers that the same scene continues after a page break.
Cont. vs Cont’d: What’s the Difference?
Both cont. and cont’d mean continued. The difference is where they’re commonly used.
| Feature | Cont. | Cont’d |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Abbreviation | Contraction |
| Common Use | Business, academic, and professional writing | Publishing, books, and screenplays |
| Meaning | Continued | Continued |
If you’re writing a report or formal document, cont. is usually the better choice. If you’re following publishing or screenplay conventions, cont’d fits naturally.
Example
Business report:
Sales Summary (cont. on page 6).
Screenplay:
SARAH (CONT’D)
Which One Should You Use?
Choose the abbreviation that matches your document.
- Use cont. for reports, assignments, manuals, and office documents.
- Use cont’d for books, magazines, and screenplays.
- Avoid con’t because it isn’t a standard English abbreviation.
Using the same form throughout your document also keeps your writing consistent and professional.
What Do Dictionaries and Style Guides Recommend?
Major English dictionaries recognize continued as the standard word, while professional writing follows the established abbreviations cont. and cont’d. Con’t isn’t listed as a standard abbreviation in trusted language references.
In general:
- Cont. is the safer choice for formal and professional writing.
- Cont’d is widely accepted in publishing and editorial work.
- Con’t should be avoided.
Example
If you’re writing a business report, write:
Financial Results (cont. on next page).
If you’re formatting a screenplay, write:
JACK (CONT’D)
Where Are Cont. and Cont’d Commonly Used?
Both abbreviations mean continued, but they’re used in different types of writing.
| Writing Type | Recommended Form |
|---|---|
| Business reports | Cont. |
| Academic papers | Cont. |
| Office documents | Cont. |
| Books and magazines | Cont’d |
| Screenplays | Cont’d |
Example
A report may include:
Budget Analysis (cont. on page 8).
A screenplay may include:
DAVID (CONT’D)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is using con’t instead of cont. or cont’d. Another common mistake is switching between cont. and cont’d in the same document.
Avoid these errors:
- ❌ Section 2 (con’t)
- ❌ Using cont. on one page and cont’d on another without a reason.
Use one style consistently from beginning to end.
Example
✅ Appendix B (cont. on next page).
Can You Write Continued Instead?
Yes. If space isn’t limited, writing the full word continued is often the clearest option. Many modern documents prefer the complete word because every reader understands it immediately.
Example
Instead of:
Appendix A (cont.)
You can write:
Appendix A continued on the next page.
Quick Tips to Remember
Follow these simple rules whenever you abbreviate continued:
- Use cont. for business, academic, and professional writing.
- Use cont’d for books, publishing, and screenplays.
- Don’t use con’t because it isn’t a standard English abbreviation.
- If you’re unsure, write the full word continued. It’s always correct.
FAQs
1. Is con’t correct?
No. Con’t is not a standard abbreviation for continued. Use cont. or cont’d instead.
Example:
❌ Page 4 (con’t)
✅ Page 4 (cont.)
2. Is cont’d the correct abbreviation for continued?
Yes. Cont’d is a recognized contraction of continued and is commonly used in publishing and screenplays.
3. Which is better: cont. or cont’d?
Neither is better in every situation.
- Use cont. for business and academic writing.
- Use cont’d for books, publishing, and screenplays.
4. Can I use cont. in formal writing?
Yes. Cont. is the preferred abbreviation in many professional, academic, and business documents.
5. Why is con’t incorrect?
Because it isn’t a recognized English abbreviation for continued. Standard writing uses cont. or cont’d instead.
6. Is cont’d outdated?
No. It’s still widely used in publishing, editing, and screenplay formatting.
7. Can I write continued instead of cont. or cont’d?
Yes. Writing the full word continued is always correct and is often the clearest option when space isn’t limited.
8. What’s the easiest rule to remember?
Use cont. for formal writing, cont’d for publishing and screenplays, and avoid con’t.
Final Verdict
If you’re choosing between con’t and cont’d, don’t use con’t because it isn’t a standard English abbreviation.
Use cont. in business, academic, and professional writing, and use cont’d in publishing or screenplay formatting.
If you’re ever unsure, writing the full word continued is always the safest choice.
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