what keeps me going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what keeps me going" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a phrase of determination and perseverance, referring to the things or motivations that help someone to continue moving forward or stay motivated. Example: "During difficult times, what keeps me going is the support and love of my family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's what keeps me going".

The New Yorker

That is what keeps me going".

The New York Times - Travel

But that's what keeps me going".

The New York Times

"That's what keeps me going," he said.

The New York Times

"So that's what keeps me going".

The Guardian - Film

Maybe that's what keeps me going.

The New York Times - Arts

But what keeps me going is my kids".

The New York Times

That's what keeps me going," Pip Timms said.

The New York Times

But what keeps me going is that I love winning.

The New York Times

I feel I have: it's certainly what keeps me going.

The Guardian

That's really what keeps me going back under the needle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider the audience and context. In formal settings, pair it with more detailed explanations or examples to provide clarity and depth.

Common error

Avoid using "what keeps me going" as a generic response without providing concrete examples or details. This can make your statement seem insincere or lacking in substance. Always follow up with specific reasons or motivations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what keeps me going" functions as a nominal clause, serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies the reason, motivation, or driving force that sustains someone's actions or efforts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what keeps me going" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to articulate one's source of motivation and perseverance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to express personal resilience and determination. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific examples to enhance clarity and sincerity. While versatile, avoiding overuse without context ensures the statement remains meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what motivates me

Focuses on the source of motivation rather than the continuation of effort.

what drives me

Emphasizes the internal force propelling someone forward.

what inspires me

Highlights the inspirational source of one's actions.

my source of motivation

Formal way of expressing the origin of one's motivation.

the reason I persevere

Focuses on the act of persevering and the reason behind it.

the key to my persistence

Highlights the element that ensures continued effort.

what sustains my effort

Emphasizes the continuous support that helps maintain effort.

my reason for continuing

Directly states the justification for ongoing action.

what makes me push forward

Emphasizes forward movement and the catalyst behind it.

the fuel for my journey

Metaphorically describes the energy source for one's endeavors.

FAQs

How can I use "what keeps me going" in a sentence?

You can use "what keeps me going" to explain the source of your motivation or perseverance. For example, "During tough times, what keeps me going is knowing that my efforts will make a difference".

What's a more formal alternative to "what keeps me going"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "my primary source of motivation" or "the driving force behind my persistence". These alternatives offer a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What can I say instead of "what keeps me going" to sound more inspiring?

To sound more inspiring, try alternatives like "what inspires me" or "the fuel for my journey". These options evoke a stronger sense of passion and purpose.

Is it correct to say "what kept me going" instead of "what keeps me going"?

Yes, "what kept me going" is grammatically correct. Use "what kept me going" when referring to something that motivated you in the past, whereas "what keeps me going" refers to something that motivates you in the present.