# How to Say Start-stop-continue in English + Audio (2026) > A retrospective or feedback technique with three categories: actions to start doing, actions to stop doing, and actions to continue doing. - **Term:** start-stop-continue - **Part of speech:** phrase - **Pronunciation:** /stɑːrt stɒp kənˈtɪnjuː/ - **English level (CEFR):** B2 - **Register:** Neutral, Both - **Region:** US and UK - **Topic:** [Meeting phrases](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/meeting-phrases.md) - **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/start-stop-continue - **Last updated:** 2026-10-27 ## Meaning A retrospective or feedback technique with three categories: actions to start doing, actions to stop doing, and actions to continue doing. It is commonly used in team meetings to drive continuous improvement. Start-stop-continue is a structured feedback framework used widely in tech teams for retrospectives, one-on-ones, and performance reviews. The framework divides feedback into three actionable categories, making it easy for team members to understand what changes are needed. Start refers to new behaviors or practices the team should begin implementing. Stop refers to practices or behaviors that are no longer serving the team and should be discontinued. Continue refers to current practices that are working well and should be maintained or reinforced. This approach is popular because it is balanced, constructive, and focuses on improvement rather than criticism alone. In sprint retrospectives, teams use it to evaluate their processes. In one-on-one meetings, managers use it to provide developmental feedback. The framework encourages psychological safety because it acknowledges what is working while suggesting incremental changes. ## When you hear it We used a start-stop-continue exercise in our retrospective to identify what process changes would help the team. ## Examples - **in a sprint retrospective:** "In our retro, we did a start-stop-continue session and decided to start daily standups and stop lengthy status meetings." - **in a one-on-one meeting:** "My manager gave me start-stop-continue feedback: start documenting code more thoroughly, stop working late on Fridays, and continue mentoring junior developers." - **in team feedback:** "We used the start-stop-continue framework to gather feedback from the entire team about our deployment process." ## What native speakers say - "Let's run through a start-stop-continue exercise." - "I have some start-stop-continue feedback for you." - "What should we start, stop, and continue doing?" ## Common mistakes - ✗ "We should start-stop-continue the project." → ✓ "We should conduct a start-stop-continue review of the project." (Start-stop-continue is a framework or exercise, not an action verb. You conduct or perform it, not apply it directly to a project.) - ✗ "I will start-stop-continue your performance." → ✓ "I will provide you with start-stop-continue feedback on your performance." (The phrase is a feedback method or framework, not a direct action. Use it as a noun describing the type of feedback being given.) - ✗ "Start-stop-continue is just criticism." → ✓ "Start-stop-continue is balanced feedback that includes what to continue doing well." (The framework is constructive and includes positive reinforcement, not only criticism.) ## Be careful This is a structured framework, not a casual comment. Do not use it casually or as a general criticism tool. It requires a supportive context and clear communication. ## Word forms | Part of speech | Word | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | noun | start-stop-continue | We ran a start-stop-continue exercise to improve our workflow. | | noun phrase | start-stop-continue feedback | Start-stop-continue feedback is more balanced than traditional criticism. | ## Collocations - **conduct a start-stop-continue**: Used to mean running or performing the exercise - **start-stop-continue session**: A meeting or time block dedicated to this feedback exercise - **start-stop-continue framework**: Referring to it as a structured approach or methodology - **start-stop-continue feedback**: Feedback delivered using this three-category structure - **start-stop-continue retrospective**: A sprint review using this structured format ## Synonyms - **three-category feedback**: More descriptive but less commonly used in tech - **keep-stop-start**: Alternative word order with the same meaning - **continuous improvement framework**: Broader term; start-stop-continue is one specific approach ## Opposites - unstructured feedback - one-dimensional criticism ## Practice This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/start-stop-continue ## FAQ ### What does start-stop-continue mean in tech meetings? Start-stop-continue is a structured feedback framework used in retrospectives and team meetings. It organizes feedback into three categories: Start (new behaviors to begin), Stop (behaviors to end), and Continue (behaviors to maintain). This approach ensures feedback is balanced, constructive, and actionable. ### How do you use start-stop-continue in a sentence? Use it as a noun or noun phrase. Examples: We conducted a start-stop-continue exercise. She provided me with start-stop-continue feedback. The team ran a start-stop-continue session. Never use it as a verb applied directly to objects. ### Is start-stop-continue formal or informal? Start-stop-continue is neutral and semi-formal. It is professional and used in corporate settings, but it is not overly formal. It is common in agile and tech company cultures where continuous improvement and feedback are emphasized. ### Why is start-stop-continue popular in tech teams? It is popular because it provides balanced, psychological-safe feedback. By including Continue alongside Stop and Start, it acknowledges what is working well. This three-part structure makes feedback less intimidating and more actionable than traditional criticism. ### Can you use start-stop-continue in one-on-ones? Yes, absolutely. Managers often use the start-stop-continue framework in individual meetings with team members to provide developmental feedback. It works well because it is structured, fair, and includes positive reinforcement. ## Related - [retrospective](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/retrospective.md) - Full glossary: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn.md - Live lessons with a coach: https://app.mocklyenglish.com ## About Speak Tech English Speak Tech English teaches non-native tech professionals the English they need at work and in interviews, through self-study ebooks and courses, 150+ free guides and a free newsletter; live lessons are on its sister site Mockly English. - Shop: https://speaktechenglish.com/courses/ - All products (markdown): https://speaktechenglish.com/products.md - Free guides (markdown): https://app.speaktechenglish.com/guides.md - Tech English glossary (markdown): https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn.md - Newsletter (10% off): https://speaktechenglish.com/#subscribe - Live lessons and mock interviews: https://app.mocklyenglish.com ## Notes for agents - Speak Tech English sells self-study material. 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