continued/continuing support

Why do you think that, Ms Tan?

Hi JTT

I have already mentioned which word is the one I think I should use.

Thanks.

I prefer "continued" too, but I'm not sure exactly why.

Either would do, though.

If you describe your reasons, it might help us to see the problems, Ms Tan. That's what ESL teachers do. It doesn't always help to just confirm a response.

Thank you for your continued/continuing support.

You have given me your support and will continue to do so. Support has been given in the past and will continue to be given.

I don't whether the logic makes sense.

I agree with Ronbee who answered "Tan Elaine" over at UsingEnglish.com yesterday. I think that "continuing" is the word to use if the support is ongoing, that is to say it is still forthcoming and is expected to continue into the future. If the support was continuous during a period of time which has ended, I suppose that you could write something like "Thank you for your continued support while I was ill recently". However, as Ronbee points out, you can avoid the problem by just writing "Thank you for your support". Also, as JTT says, if we knew the context we could make a better judgement about which word to use.

Ronbee often gives solid, well thought out advice but to my mind, suggesting avoidance is something that is fine for native speakers who know what to use but for ESLs, I think we should come down on the side of even more thought out thinking it out.

With a fried brain, all I can offer at the moment is that 'ing' is always [??] more, well, continuing. Certainly, both present participles and past participles act as adjectives but exactly how and when is to be the subject of further cogitation.

Thanks, JTT.

Could you elaborate on your answer?

Thanks.

Perhaps, after "further cogitation", I just might, Ms Tan.

I might be inclined to focus on the time question, and also whether the thanks being offered are for the support itself or for the continuation of support where it might conceivably have been withdrawn.

"I would like to thank you for the support you have given me over the years"

"I would like to thank you for the continued support you have given me while I was in jail recently"

"I would like to thank you for the continuing support you have offered to provide while my house is being rebuilt"

Thanks, Contrex.

I'm waiting for JTT's views after she has cogitated and is ready to give her reply.

JTT is female? Wow.

Hi McTag

JTT's profile doesn't indicate whether she is male or female. Sorry I was too presumptuous if I'm wrong.

[Batts her long eyelashes at McTag]

Pull the other one.

Hi McTag

I am right. JTT is indeed female.

Well I never.