according to their conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to their conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or decisions that individuals make based on their personal beliefs or moral principles. Example: "The jury made their decision according to their conscience, believing it was the right thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Every assembly member has to vote according to their conscience".

The New York Times

Mr Corbyn allowed his MPs to vote according to their conscience.

Independent

"Compromise is letting your own MPs vote according to their conscience in parliament".

The Guardian

I am very comfortable that I will not be the only Republican on Monday voting according to their conscience.

The Guardian

Labor has rejected Plibersek's push for a binding yes vote on the issue, with Shorten saying Labor MPs and senators would vote according to their conscience.

The Guardian

"We promised in our manifesto that we'd have a free vote – that MPs could vote according to their conscience, on country sports," he told Sky News on Thursday.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The Democrats urged the governor to release his fellow Republicans to vote according to their consciences.

The New York Times

This is why parental rights are so important: they provide a zone of sovereignty, a moral space to fulfill their obligations according to their consciences.

The New York Times

Proponents of the secret ballot say this would allow the members to vote according to their consciences, whether or not they have been bribed.

The Economist

At the Republican National Convention, in July, he urged delegates to vote according to their "consciences," and revelled in their boos.

The New Yorker

One read: "Their lordships the bishops of Argentina, can act, thank God, according to their consciences and the light of the gospel".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates whose conscience is being referred to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "according to their conscience" when describing actions driven by external pressures or incentives, as this undermines the phrase's implication of genuine moral autonomy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to their conscience" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adverb, or clause. It indicates the basis or motivation for an action, specifically that the action is guided by someone's moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to their conscience" describes actions or decisions driven by personal moral principles. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriate use. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, conveying that an action stems from someone's ethical compass. While interchangeable with alternatives like "based on their moral compass", it's important to ensure that the described actions truly reflect internal conviction, rather than external influence. The phrase carries a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on their moral compass

Emphasizes internal moral guidance.

guided by their principles

Highlights adherence to established personal principles.

following their inner voice

Suggests acting on intuition or deeply held beliefs.

in accordance with their beliefs

Formal alternative emphasizing alignment with personal beliefs.

acting on their convictions

Highlights strong, firmly held beliefs as the basis for action.

true to their own values

Focuses on acting in a way that reflects their personal values.

at their own discretion

Focuses on acting on their own free will and judgement

of their own volition

Acting without external influence

as they see fit

Acting according to one's judgement

in line with their ethics

Formal alternative that emphasizes ethics

FAQs

How can I use "according to their conscience" in a sentence?

This phrase is used when individuals make decisions based on their personal moral beliefs. For instance, "The representatives were allowed to vote "according to their conscience" on the controversial bill."

What does it mean when someone acts "according to their conscience"?

It means they are making decisions based on their internal moral compass, prioritizing their personal ethics and values over external pressures or expectations.

Which is more appropriate, "according to their beliefs" or "according to their conscience"?

While both relate to personal values, "according to their beliefs" refers to a broader set of convictions, whereas "according to their conscience" specifically emphasizes moral or ethical considerations.

What are some alternatives to saying "according to their conscience"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "based on their moral judgment", "guided by their principles", or "in line with their ethical beliefs".