Understanding the use of the term “CONT” in scriptwriting and other formal documents can be a great tool in simplifying and enhancing brevity in narratives. This handy abbreviation is often surrounded by confusion regarding its usage, necessitating a comprehensive guide for its proper implementation.
Definition and Application of CONT
The term CONT, short for “Continued”, is commonly used in scriptwriting, as well as in other professional and academic documents. It serves to indicate that a particular dialogue or section is being extended, prolonged, or carried over to the next part of a narrative or data set. The primary purpose is to maintain the fluency of the content and guide the reader or audience seamlessly through an ongoing dialogue or action.
Usage in Scriptwriting
In scriptwriting, “CONT” adopts two commonly used forms: “MORE” and “CONT’D”. MORE is used when a character is speaking, but the page runs out of room before they finish their dialogue. On the next page, CONT’D would follow the character’s name to indicate the continuation of their dialogue.
Critical Usage Points
- CONT is typically used in parentheses in formal writing to maintain the formal structure and readability.
- In scenarios where an ongoing dialogue or action is taken to the next page or scene, one could use phrases such as “CONT on next page” or “CONT on page X”.
- In screenplay writing, it is common to use the form “CHARACTER NAME (CONT’D)” to indicate that the character who was speaking earlier is continuing to speak now. This way, the audience can seamlessly follow the dialogue.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using “CONT” without parentheses in formal documents. Omission of parentheses can lead to ambiguity.
- Do not use the form “CON’T”. This form is grammatically incorrect and avoided in professional writing.
- For the form “CONTD”, ensure to include an apostrophe, making it “CONT’D”, to appropriately signify the omission of letters.
Conclusions
Mastering the use of the term “CONT” can significantly enhance the seamlessness and professionalism of your narratives, especially in scriptwriting. However, it’s crucial to understand the correct form and context of this abbreviation to maintain clarity and avoid grammatical errors. By adhering to the simple rules and guidelines laid out in this guide, one can effectively streamline their dialogues and presentations, making their stories more engaging and clear for their audience.