I keep asking myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"I keep asking myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you are frequently questioning something. For example, "I keep asking myself why she hasn't responded to my message yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I keep asking myself: Why?

The New Yorker

I keep asking myself: Why don't we have basements?

The New York Times

I keep asking myself, when does it become normal?

The Guardian

I keep asking myself now – what's the point of going to restaurants?

Independent

"I keep asking myself, a thousand years of what?" said the writer Vo Thi Hao in a widely quoted essay.

The New York Times

"I keep asking myself whether this plan is a good or a bad thing for us," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I kept asking myself why I am being punished.

The New York Times

"I kept asking myself: Why us?

The New York Times - Magazine

Wasn't there another way, I kept asking myself".

The New York Times

Where have all the people gone, I kept asking myself?

Independent

I kept asking myself: Why am I here?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I keep asking myself" to introduce a question that you are repeatedly contemplating, especially when expressing confusion, doubt, or a search for understanding. It's most effective when the question directly follows the phrase.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I keep asking myself". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I keep asking myself" functions as an introductory device, setting the stage for a question or a line of inquiry. It signals introspection and self-reflection, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase prefaces a question that the speaker or writer is repeatedly considering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I keep asking myself" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a question that one is repeatedly contemplating. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express internal dialogue, reflection, and a grappling with a dilemma. While appropriate for various contexts, writers should avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Related phrases include "I often wonder" and "I find myself wondering", each carrying slightly different nuances. Its purpose is to engage the reader in the speaker's thought process by presenting a question to contemplate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ask myself repeatedly

More formal restatement emphasizing frequency.

I'm always questioning

Highlights the continuous nature of questioning.

I repeatedly question

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the questioning, using a more formal verb.

I find myself wondering

Highlights the involuntary nature of the questioning, suggesting the thought arises without conscious effort.

I often wonder

Replaces the continuous action of asking with a general feeling of wonder, implying less direct questioning.

I'm constantly pondering

Shifts the focus to a more thoughtful and reflective consideration.

I'm left wondering

Implies a sense of unresolved curiosity or uncertainty.

I'm trying to understand

More direct and purposeful, focusing on seeking understanding.

I'm still trying to figure out

Focuses on the attempt to find an answer or understand something, rather than just the act of questioning.

I ruminate on

Suggests a deep and prolonged consideration, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "I keep asking myself" in a sentence?

Use "I keep asking myself" to introduce a question you are repeatedly pondering, for example: "I keep asking myself, "what could I have done differently"?"

What are some alternatives to "I keep asking myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I often wonder", "I find myself wondering", or "I'm always questioning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I keep asking myself" and "I asked myself"?

"I asked myself" refers to a single instance of questioning, whereas "I keep asking myself" indicates repeated or continuous questioning. The latter emphasizes ongoing contemplation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I keep asking to myself"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "I keep asking myself". The addition of "to" is unnecessary and incorrect.