I've been asking

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've been asking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe that you have been inquiring or requesting something in the past and the situation is still ongoing. For example, "I've been asking around, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've been asking why?

The New York Times

I've been asking variations of that question a lot lately.

The Guardian - Film

"I've been asking myself that question for weeks".

The New York Times

That of course is the question I've been asking myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've been asking myself this question for a while.

The New Yorker

"I've been asking some questions about that," Mr. Lott said.

The New York Times

I've been asking for new ideas at every Monday meeting but have received few suggestions.

The New York Times

"I've been asking for the fight for the last two or three years.

Independent

"I've been asking all sorts of questions about where things are from," she told me.

Independent

I've been asking myself why I don't think about my approaching visitor, death.

The New Yorker

I've been asking everyone what this is, and no one wants to talk".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I've been asking" to indicate a repeated or ongoing request or inquiry. It's particularly effective when highlighting persistence or frustration with a lack of response.

Common error

Avoid using "I've been asking" when you only asked once in the past and the action is completed. Use "I asked" instead for single, completed actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been asking" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker has been in the process of seeking information or making a request over a period of time. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its use in various contexts to convey ongoing inquiry or repeated requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I've been asking" is a versatile and commonly used phrase in English to express ongoing inquiries or repeated requests. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While generally neutral in tone, the context may sometimes call for more formal alternatives like "I've inquired" or "I've requested". When using this phrase, remember to ensure the tense aligns with the intended meaning, indicating a continued action rather than a single, completed one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've been inquiring

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the inquiry using the present perfect progressive form of "inquire".

I've been requesting

Highlights the ongoing nature of making a request.

I've inquired

Replaces "asking" with a more formal synonym.

I've been questioning

Indicates a series of questions or doubts.

I've requested

Focuses on the act of making a formal request rather than a general inquiry.

I've made inquiries

Shifts from the continuous form to a completed action of making inquiries.

I've been investigating

Suggests a more in-depth and formal inquiry.

I've sought information

More formal and emphasizes the goal of obtaining information.

I've put the question to

Uses a more formal and direct way of saying that you asked someone a question.

I have been curious to know

Indicates a state of curiosity that leads to asking.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I've been asking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I've inquired", "I've requested", or "I've made inquiries depending on the context.

What is the difference between "I've been asking" and "I asked"?

"I've been asking" implies a continuous or repeated action over a period of time, while "I asked" refers to a single, completed action in the past. For example, "I've been asking for a raise for months" versus "I asked for directions yesterday."

Is it correct to use "I've been asking" in a professional setting?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "I've been asking" in a professional setting. It conveys that you have persistently sought information or made a request. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "I've inquired" in certain situations to maintain a higher level of formality.

What can I say instead of "I've been asking" when I want to emphasize frustration?

To emphasize frustration, try phrases like "I've been repeatedly asking", "I've been constantly asking", or "I've been persistently asking". You can also rephrase it to highlight the lack of response, such as "Despite my repeated requests..."