a source of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that causes feelings of guilt or remorse in a person. Example: "The decision to leave her job without notice became a source of guilt that haunted her for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Was that a source of guilt?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the Mieles, though, they were a source of guilt.

The New York Times

Survival could only be a source of guilt, whether spoken or unspoken.

The New York Times

Occasionally giving away your change shouldn't be a source of guilt.

The Guardian

But Mr. Kyle's grim talent of killing the enemy was not a source of guilt for him.

The New York Times

Even her veganism is a source of guilt, since it means not supporting the cruelty-free meat industry.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Seth officially takes Peter's name and grows up to be a lonely cabdriver whose prescient dreams of imminent tragedies serve as a source of perpetual guilt and a constant reminder of what he couldn't do to save his brother.

The New York Times - Books

I have a nanny, but that's a source of constant guilt – especially when the children claim they haven't seen enough of me! 11.

Forbes

There was no way I could keep up with the weeklies: they piled up and became a source of clutter, guilt, and stress, and even the monthly magazines often sat unread on the shelf.

Huffington Post

"It's a universal source of guilt".

The New York Times

Now there's a new source of guilt.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a source of guilt", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the guilt and why. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement. For instance, specify the action or situation that serves as "a source of guilt".

Common error

Avoid using "a source of guilt" too broadly. Instead of saying "Technology is a source of guilt", be specific: "The constant connectivity offered by smartphones is often a source of guilt for parents who struggle to balance work and family time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of guilt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies what generates feelings of remorse or responsibility. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of guilt" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to identify what triggers feelings of remorse or culpability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is adaptable to various contexts, mainly appearing in news and media, but also in science and wiki articles. When incorporating "a source of guilt" in your writing, be specific about what is causing the guilt and why, avoiding overly broad generalizations. Alternatives like "a reason for guilt" or "a cause of guilt" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. The phrase, while common, is also nuanced; clarity and context are important when deploying it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reason for guilt

Replaces "source" with "reason", slightly altering the emphasis from origin to justification of guilt.

a cause of guilt

Substitutes "source" with "cause", focusing on the instigating factor of the guilt.

an origin of guilt

Replaces "source" with "origin", a more formal synonym, maintaining the same core meaning.

a trigger for guilt

Emphasizes the action of initiating the feeling of guilt, rather than its origin.

a basis for guilt

Shifts focus to the foundation or grounds upon which guilt is felt.

a generator of guilt

Uses "generator" to highlight the active production of guilt feelings.

a root of guilt

Implies a deeper, more fundamental cause of guilt.

something that induces guilt

Highlights the action of causing guilt, using a more descriptive phrase.

something that provokes guilt

Similar to "induces guilt" but emphasizes a more sudden or reactive feeling.

a wellspring of guilt

Evokes a continuous and abundant supply of guilt.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of guilt" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of guilt" to describe something that causes feelings of remorse or responsibility. For example, "Ignoring his friend's phone call became "a source of guilt" for him later on."

What are some alternatives to saying "a source of guilt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a reason for guilt", "a cause of guilt", or "a trigger for guilt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause of guilt" or "source of guilt"?

Both "cause of guilt" and "source of guilt" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "A cause of guilt" might emphasize the direct instigation, while ""a source of guilt"" might highlight the origin or wellspring of the feeling.

Can a person be "a source of guilt"?

Yes, a person's actions or presence can certainly be ""a source of guilt"" for someone else. For example, "His ailing mother was a constant source of guilt for him, as he struggled to balance his career and her care."