a troubled conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubled conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of guilt, remorse, or moral conflict regarding one's actions or decisions. Example: "After lying to his friend, he was left with a troubled conscience that haunted him for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She offered few hints of a troubled conscience.

The New York Times

A troubled conscience can be a journalist's friend.

The New York Times

There are some kindly CEOs out there, and some with a troubled conscience.

The Economist

All it takes, you said, is access and a troubled conscience to create an Edward Snowden or a Bradley Manning.

The New York Times

In the case of Rivers, the guilt takes the form of a troubled conscience at sending men back to a war he feels increasingly disillusioned by.

The Guardian

In almost every case, her quarry is the private moral struggle, the moment of brave protest or the self-delusion that patches over a troubled conscience.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The troubled conscience of a troubled nation?

The Guardian - Books

Today, by contrast, the deal is cast by Mr Sorkin as a package forced upon the two big players by the Federal Reserve, which above all wished the sale to not be seen as a bailout.In this new version, Mr Dimon's troubled conscience is assuaged by the new $10 offer, and Bear's justifiably angry employees and shareholders are given a price that's far more fair.

The Economist

In the bleak realm of amoral horror and troubled conscience that Allen depicts, he isn't just a virtual character or participant — he's also an observer.

The New Yorker

The tiny theater becomes a claustrophobic mirror of Macbeth's mind, as if his dark thoughts and troubled conscience had furnished the room.

The New York Times

THE lottery bus is now almost two years old, created in response to Gov. George E. Pataki's troubled conscience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a troubled conscience" with descriptive language to enhance emotional impact, illustrating the character's internal struggles.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubled conscience" as a shortcut for character development. Instead, show the character's struggle through actions and dialogue, allowing the audience to infer their internal conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled conscience" functions as a noun phrase, where "troubled" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conscience". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, denoting a state of inner turmoil.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubled conscience" is a valid and commonly used phrase to describe the internal distress resulting from guilt or ethical conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. To enrich your writing, consider using alternatives like "a guilty conscience" or "a burden of guilt". Remember to show, not just tell, when depicting this state in characters to avoid simplistic narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a guilty conscience

Direct synonym, emphasizing the feeling of guilt.

a burden of guilt

Highlights the weight and oppressiveness of feeling guilty.

remorseful feelings

Highlights feelings of deep regret and sorrow for wrongdoing.

a crisis of conscience

A situation in which someone feels conflicted because their moral beliefs prevent them from doing something

a heavy heart

Focuses on the emotional burden and sadness associated with guilt or regret.

pang of guilt

Highlights the quick, sharp feeling of guilt related to something specific.

a sense of shame

Focuses on the feeling of humiliation and disgrace.

moral qualms

Emphasizes doubts and hesitations arising from moral principles.

a weight on one's soul

Focuses on the long-lasting and detrimental impact guilt can have.

prangs of conscience

Highlights sudden attacks or twinges of guilt or remorse

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a troubled conscience" in a sentence?

Use "a troubled conscience" to describe a state of inner turmoil caused by guilt, regret, or ethical conflict. For example, "After betraying his friend, he was burdened with "a troubled conscience"".

What are some alternatives to "a troubled conscience"?

You can use alternatives such as "a guilty conscience", "remorseful feelings", or "a burden of guilt" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "have a troubled conscience" or "has a troubled conscience"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the subject's number. Use "have" with plural subjects or pronouns like "I", "you", "we", and "they". Use "has" with singular subjects like "he", "she", or "it". For example, "He has "a troubled conscience"" or "They have "a troubled conscience"".

What is the difference between "a troubled conscience" and "moral qualms"?

"A troubled conscience" typically refers to a state of guilt or regret after an action, while "moral qualms" refer to doubts or hesitations about whether an action is ethically right or wrong before it is taken.