act of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action taken based on one's moral beliefs or ethical considerations. Example: "She made an act of conscience by refusing to participate in the unethical practices at her workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As an act of conscience, it's hard to beat.

The New York Times

The act of conscience had not failed, however.

The New York Times

He saw his decision to come to Bruichladdich as an act of conscience.

The New Yorker

If an act of conscience can be a betrayal, it can also be a tragedy.

The New York Times - Books

In this case, a Republican vote for a Democratic representative will be an act of conscience.

The Washington Post

Mr. Gormley described his vote for Mr. Florio's assault weapon ban as an act of conscience.

The New York Times

"It was an act of conscience," Mr. Siegel said of the refusal to arrest the man.

The New York Times

In reality, the break was mutual, precipitated by Steele's act of conscience.

The New Yorker

It's no more possible to explain an act of conscience than it is to dissect a dream.

The New York Times - Books

He has the dual satisfaction of performing an act of conscience and spite, as he was sure he and his wife would never hear the end of this.

The New Yorker

Mr. terHorst's resignation was — and still is — considered a rare act of conscience by a high-ranking public official, and the circumstances in which it occurred were extraordinary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's motivations, clarify the specific moral or ethical considerations that led to their "act of conscience" to provide deeper insight.

Common error

Ensure that what you're describing as an "act of conscience" is rooted in a widely recognized moral principle, not merely a personal preference or subjective feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of conscience" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action that stems from moral or ethical beliefs. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of conscience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe actions driven by strong moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often appears in news and media, academia and wiki, emphasizing integrity and commitment. While alternatives like "moral imperative" or "ethical decision" exist, "act of conscience" specifically highlights the role of personal conviction. It's crucial to ensure that the described action genuinely reflects established moral principles, preventing confusion with mere personal preference. The prevalence of "act of conscience" in reputable sources underscores its importance in conveying morally driven decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dictates of conscience

Highlights the compelling and directive nature of one's conscience, suggesting a powerful internal force.

principled action

Emphasizes that the action is guided by strong moral principles, underlining a commitment to values.

ethical decision

Focuses specifically on the ethical dimensions of the choice made, rather than the internal conviction.

moral conviction

Focuses on the strength and depth of the belief driving the action, rather than the action itself.

matter of principle

Shifts the focus to the principle at stake rather than the action itself, framing the decision as adherence to a value.

ethical stance

Implies a more formal or declared position on an ethical issue, compared to a single act.

moral imperative

Emphasizes a compelling sense of moral duty or obligation, highlighting the compelling nature of the conviction.

moral obligation

Suggests a duty based on moral grounds, differing from a personal choice to a required action.

principled stand

Highlights the act of publicly defending a principle, adding an element of advocacy or resistance.

conscientious objection

Specifically refers to refusing to participate in something based on moral or religious grounds, a more specific scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "act of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "act of conscience" to describe a decision or action motivated by one's moral beliefs. For example: "Refusing to participate was an "act of conscience" for her."

What are some alternatives to "act of conscience"?

Alternatives include "moral imperative", "ethical decision", or "principled stand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always easy to identify an "act of conscience"?

No, what constitutes an "act of conscience" can be subjective and depend on individual values and beliefs. However, such acts are typically aligned with widely recognized moral principles.

What distinguishes an "act of conscience" from a simple decision?

An "act of conscience" is specifically driven by a deeply held moral or ethical conviction, often involving personal risk or sacrifice, unlike a routine decision.