fortsätta

Fortsätta is a Swedish verb meaning to continue, to carry on, or to proceed with an action. It denotes the continuation of an activity, process, or state and is widely used in everyday speech as well as formal writing.

In usage, fortsätta typically governs another verb in the infinitive and can appear with or without the particle att: Jag fortsätter arbeta. Jag fortsätter att arbeta. The verb is conjugated in the present tense as fortsätter (jag fortsätter, du fortsätter, han fortsätter), in the past tense as fortsatte, and in perfect tenses with the past participle fortsatt (har fortsatt). The noun fortsättning means continuation or sequel.

Etymology: fortsätta is formed from for- (forward) and sätta (to put, to place) and is cognate with Norwegian fortsette and Danish fortsætte; it reflects a sense of moving forward or proceeding. The word has roots in old Scandinavian languages and has parallels in neighboring languages.

Usage notes: It covers literal continuation of actions as well as figurative senses like continuing plans or a process. In formal Swedish, both fortsätta att plus infinitive and fortsätta plus infinitive (without att) are acceptable.

Examples: Jag fortsätter läsa. Hon fortsätter arbeta trots problemen. Vi fortsatte till nästa dag. Efter pausen fortsatte han med sin presentation.