SyntaxError: ‘continue’ outside loop

The error “SyntaxError: ‘continue’ outside loop” occurs when the continue statement is used outside a loop. The continue statement is used to skip the current iteration of a loop and proceed to the next iteration. If Python finds continue outside a valid loop, it raises this error.

This guide will explain the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

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1. Understanding the Error

The continue statement is used inside a loop to skip the remaining code in the current iteration and move to the next iteration.

🔴 Incorrect Code (Error):

continue  # ❌ No loop is present

🔴 Error Message:

SyntaxError: 'continue' outside loop

✅ Corrected Code (Inside a Loop):

for i in range(5):
    if i == 2:
        continue  # ✅ Skips the print statement when i == 2
    print(i)

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2. Common Causes and Solutions

2.1. Using continue Outside a Loop

continue must be inside a loop. If used in the global scope, Python does not know what to continue.

❌ Incorrect Code:

continue  # ❌ Continue outside any loop

✅ Solution:

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        continue  # ✅ Inside a loop
    print(i)

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2.2. Using continue Inside an if but Outside a Loop

Even if continue is inside an if statement, it must still be inside a loop.

❌ Incorrect Code:

x = 10
if x > 5:
    continue  # ❌ No loop present

✅ Solution:

x = 10
while x > 0:
    x -= 1
    if x == 5:
        continue  # ✅ Skips the print when x == 5
    print(x)

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2.3. Using continue in a Function Without a Loop

A continue statement cannot be used inside a function unless the function contains a loop.

❌ Incorrect Code:

def my_function():
    continue  # ❌ No loop in function

✅ Solution:

def my_function():
    for i in range(5):
        if i == 3:
            continue  # ✅ Inside a loop
        print(i)

my_function()

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2.4. Using continue in a Try-Except Block Without a Loop

A continue statement inside a try-except block must also be inside a loop.

❌ Incorrect Code:

try:
    continue  # ❌ No loop present
except:
    print("Error")

✅ Solution:

try:
    for i in range(5):
        if i == 2:
            continue  # ✅ Inside a loop
        print(i)
except:
    print("Error")

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2.5. Using continue Inside a Class but Outside a Method

If you use continue directly inside a class but not inside a method with a loop, Python will throw an error.

❌ Incorrect Code:

class MyClass:
    continue  # ❌ No loop in class

✅ Solution:

class MyClass:
    def loop_example(self):
        for i in range(5):
            if i == 3:
                continue  # ✅ Inside a method and loop
            print(i)

obj = MyClass()
obj.loop_example()

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3. How to Fix the Error Step by Step

1. Ensure continue is inside a loop (for or while).
2. Check indentation to confirm continue is within the loop block.
3. If continue is inside an if condition, make sure that condition is inside a loop.
4. Do not use continue at the global level (outside any function or loop).
5. If using a class, continue must be inside a method and within a loop.
6. For try-except blocks, continue must be inside a loop.

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4. Using an IDE to Avoid Errors

A good IDE (Integrated Development Environment) helps prevent syntax errors.

• VS Code – Highlights misplaced continue statements.
• PyCharm – Detects syntax errors and improper continue placements.
• Jupyter Notebook – Shows clear error messages with line numbers.