questioned himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questioned himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is reflecting on their own thoughts, feelings, or decisions, often in a moment of self-doubt or introspection. Example: "After making the difficult choice, he questioned himself about whether he had made the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But it never indicates he participated in any actual questioning or that he was questioned himself.

Forbes

Even then, he said, he questioned himself afterward.

The Washington Post

He probably questioned himself and went to West Brom saying: "I'd better get this right".

The Guardian - Sport

Approaching his 36th birthday on June 15, he decided to come back for another season, although he questioned himself after being caught in the steroids investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he did not recall the specifics of using Stapleton in other games, but has never questioned himself for sticking with Buckner, whom he called a Hall of Fame-worthy player.

The New York Times - Sports

The scandal has seen a number of executives detained and Steve Nechelput, the company's finance director in the country, banned from leaving - though he has not been held or questioned himself.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Is he willing to question himself?

The New Yorker

Zucker, as usual, does not question himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a year, Thomas would question himself this way.

The Guardian - Books

But the intensity of Alabama expectations has caused him to question himself this season, his first as the starter.

The New York Times - Sports

A faltering confidence and the isolated, ambiguous nature of the incidents made him question himself rather than the structure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questioned himself" to convey introspection or self-doubt, particularly when someone is evaluating their own actions, decisions, or beliefs. It's effective for showing internal conflict or critical self-assessment.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "questioned himself" within short passages. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "doubted his judgment" or "re-evaluated his choices" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioned himself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's introspection or self-doubt. Ludwig examples show it used when individuals reflect on their actions, decisions, or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questioned himself" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe introspection, self-doubt, or critical self-assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. With a neutral register, it fits diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media sources, with some occurrence in scientific and wiki-based content. For writers, while the phrase effectively portrays internal conflict, varying language with synonyms like "doubted his judgment" or "re-evaluated his choices" is recommended to enhance narrative flow. Common alternatives include "doubted his own abilities", "scrutinized his own actions", and "reflected on his decisions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubted his own abilities

Focuses on a lack of confidence in one's skills or potential.

scrutinized his own actions

Emphasizes a detailed and critical examination of one's behavior.

wondered if he was correct

Highlights the uncertainty and possibility of error in one's judgment.

reflected on his decisions

Implies a thoughtful consideration of past choices.

had second thoughts about his choices

Suggests regret or uncertainty after making a decision.

re-evaluated his perspective

Focuses on reconsidering one's viewpoint or understanding.

examined his own motives

Highlights the act of introspectively analyzing one's reasons for acting.

was uncertain about his path

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or confidence in one's direction.

felt self-doubt creep in

Illustrates the gradual onset of uncertainty and lack of confidence.

contemplated his own flaws

Highlights a serious and critical consideration of one's weaknesses.

FAQs

How can I use "questioned himself" in a sentence?

Use "questioned himself" to indicate someone is reflecting on their own actions or decisions, often with a sense of doubt. For instance, "After the mistake, he "questioned himself" about his preparation."

What are some alternatives to "questioned himself"?

You can use alternatives such as "doubted his abilities", "scrutinized his own actions", or "reflected on his decisions", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "questioned himself"?

Yes, "questioned himself" is grammatically correct. It uses a standard verb tense and reflexive pronoun to indicate self-reflection or doubt.

What's the difference between "questioned himself" and "doubted himself"?

"Questioned himself" implies a process of internal inquiry, while "doubted himself" suggests a lack of confidence. The former is about asking questions, the latter is about lacking certainty.