keep on asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on asking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about continuing an activity or a process. For example, "I kept on asking until I got the answer I needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Here are the five most important ones to ask…and to keep on asking on a regular basis: How will I create value?

Harvard Business Review

Nevertheless I tell people to keep on asking these questions and the eventually the people in the fish business will catch on.

The Guardian

"Things stay in my memory because people keep on asking me about that time," Voormann, now 78 and based in his native Germany, told the Observer.

The Guardian - Music

"People keep on asking me that question, and I seriously do not remember," De La Hoya said yesterday at a news conference at Tavern on the Green.

The New York Times - Sports

You question everybody who might have a lead and you keep on asking until you get answers". In other words, shift to police-style investigations.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of his major contributions over the years was to keep on asking the same question, finding sometimes that opinion was new, but often that what seemed remarkable had been so for many years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I was scared but he kept on asking.

The New York Times

"They kept on asking me where do we keep the bones we found".

The New York Times

"They kept on asking for documentation that did not exist," Ms. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

"I kept on asking these questions of the officers I interviewed: 'You knew what was going on.

The New Yorker

"Regis just turned his own stool the other way and kept on asking questions," Mr. Gelman said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "keep on asking", ensure the context reflects a need for continuous inquiry due to unanswered questions or evolving circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on asking" excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "persist in questioning" or "continue to inquire" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on asking" functions as a verb phrase that describes a continuing action. It emphasizes the persistence and repetition of asking questions. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in contexts where inquiries are ongoing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep on asking" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies persistent and repeated questioning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in more informal settings like wikis. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral registers, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "persist in questioning" or "repeatedly ask" to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing. Remember to use it when you want to express insistence and determination and in general it's better to "never stop questioning" about subjects that interest you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep questioning

A more concise way of expressing the same ongoing action.

repeatedly ask

It focuses on the repetitive nature of the questioning.

constantly question

This highlights the unceasing nature of asking.

persist in questioning

This emphasizes the act of continuous questioning, highlighting determination.

continue to inquire

It uses more formal language to convey the idea of ongoing investigation.

never stop questioning

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of determination and refusal to cease asking.

insistently inquire

This phrase emphasizes the persistent and demanding nature of the questioning.

press for answers

Shifts the focus to the pursuit of answers through continued questioning.

pursue questioning

Highlights the active pursuit of information through ongoing questions.

demand clarification

Focuses on the need for clarity and the act of persistently seeking it.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "keep on asking" in a sentence?

To effectively use "keep on asking", ensure the context emphasizes persistence in seeking information. For example, "Despite the lack of clear answers, we must "keep questioning" the authorities until we get a satisfactory explanation".

What are some alternatives to "keep on asking"?

You can use alternatives like "persist in questioning", "continue to inquire", or "repeatedly ask" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "keep on asking" instead of simply "ask"?

Use "keep on asking" when you want to emphasize the continuous and persistent nature of the questioning. It implies that the act of asking is repeated due to a lack of response or an unsatisfactory answer. A good alternative is to "never stop questioning".

Is there a difference between "keep on asking" and "kept on asking"?

"Keep on asking" is the present tense form, used for ongoing or habitual actions, while "kept on asking" is the past tense form, used for actions that occurred in the past. For example, "I "keep questioning" the policy changes" (present), versus "She "insistently inquired" about her package delivery" (past).